Marieann Meringolo: “A Lot of Livin’ To Do!”
It’s been awhile since I’ve seen Marieann Meringolo. The vocalist’s muscular voice and dynamic control have neither thinned nor wavered. This performance – excepting one medley during which she shuts us out – is appealingly more expressive than when I last attended a show, perhaps due to director Will Nunziata.
A second exception among Meringolo’s signatures is the rendition of “It Must Be Him” (Gilbert Becaud/ Mack David/Maurice Vidalin) in which action (with a cellphone) and expression is decidedly funny! She can be funny! Do it again! Unfortunately, “him” is replaced not by the appropriate-to-Meingolo “her,” but rather “you.” This is doubly puzzling as the performer later (stirringly) sings Marilyn and Alan Bergman’s “Fifty Per Cent” using the pronoun “she” to indicate love interest. Nor do I understand omission of the proper name “Alfie” in the Hal David/Burt Bacharach song. Meringolo tells us it brings her closer to lyric meaning, but it feels as if she’s avoiding a male name.
The title song, aforementioned Warwick medley, and “Are You Havin’ Any Fun?” (Jack Yellin/Sammy Fain) suit Meringolo’s (MD Newmyer’s) arrangement style which is consistently in the 70s/80s. The Warwick is smooth, bouncy, rhythmic – just right. Almost everything else arrives an 11 o’clock number. Clearly the performer is able to subordinate volume. The show cries out for respite.
Alan Bergman’s “Nice n’ Easy” in seamless tandem with Lew Spence’s “That Face” begins subdued and personal then can’t resist a big ending. “You Must Believe in Spring” (Alan and Marilyn Bergman/Michel Legrand) is lovely musing, but breaks into a country club mambo with such insistence, it’s as if she’s determined to force the audience to believe. I have nothing against a light mambo, but this barely avoids stridence. A longline “I Will Wait for You” (Norman Gimbel/Michel Legrand) seems deeply invested, then breaks into a foxtrot making something flip of serious sentiment.
“Apply these lyrics to the world we’re living in today” introduces “Love Don’t Need a Reason”: Love is all we have/What we don’t have is time… (Michael Callan/Peter Allen/Marsha Malamet) Right on. A good song, well executed with declaratory feeling yet restraint.
A duet of “A Whole New World” (Tim Rice/Alan Menken) with guest Alton Fitzgerald White is expansive, declaratory, hopeful; two powerful voices egging each other on with palpable affection.
White (Ragtime/The Lion King) has a deep, mellow voice with a smidgen of grit. Performing “He Lives in You” (Mark Mancina/Jay Rifkin), Fitzgerald exudes the warmth of a familiar country preacher. Infused with spirit and infectious faith, it’s as if he welcomes us into the fold. Jimmy Webb’s “Wichita Lineman” emerges from resonant life experience. It’s slow, weary, honest. “I want you for all time,” he sings, voice rising gradually to a reflective hum. I’d happily go to a solo show of this artist.
Marieann Meringolo has an extraordinary voice. She’s sincere and personable on stage. I find myself longing for variation, however.
Sound was way too loud, especially drums.
A roving spotlight and lit stairs distracted from the performer
Marieann Meringolo: A Lot of Livin’ To Do!
Directed by Will Nunziata
MD/Piano- Doyle Newmyer
Boots Maleson-Bass, Brian Woodruff-Drums
Special Guest: Alton Fitzgerald White
Opening Photo – Conor Weiss
Chelsea Table & Stage
NEXT: July 27 with guest Karen Mason; August 17 with guest Karen Oberlin
