| . | 06/22/2009
Jan Abrams “On My Way To You,” at Metropolitan Room
By: John Hoglund
Sometimes, one doesn't have to sing like an angel to make beautiful music in the night. Sometimes, all it takes is to bang the drum slowly - and be real. Welcome back Jan Abrams.
Returning to her New York roots after a ten year absence, Ms. Abrams recently offered the warmest, most sincere show this side of West End Avenue. The show, “On My Way To You,” at Metropolitan Room at Gotham with musical director/arranger John Randall also played a successful encore at LA's Gardenia.
The Los Angeles transplant has made her home there since she met her husband eleven years ago. Seemingly, life has been blissful and happy for her on the west coast. And, a plethora of her LA state of mind was on display in her engrossing new show deftly directed by Bruce Kimmel. Filled with cozy gems that have touched her life, her patter was uncomplicated and compelling as she shared bits and pieces of that life through story and song. Much of it told with a cozy, tongue in cheek humor which she pulled off with flair. While not all milestones were earth-shattering, Abrams has a great gift of gab and quickly won her audience over in spades.
After a fun “Downtown,” she delved into Jerry Herman's rousing “Open A New Window” (“Mame.”) At this point, the stage was set for what was ahead as she wove her autobiographical tales with the emphasis on her move to LA and some other fun yarns spun from her youthful days growing up in the Bronx. Although the show had few big surprises and was occasionally predictable, the really important thing is that she is a pro who made it all worthwhile. Each song had a sense of purpose that never bored. Unlike some of today's more acclaimed cabaret performers, who too often lack reality, Abrams came from a place that knows her strengths and she conveyed it all with class and amusing intelligence. Not once did she try to be something she is not. Some of today's popular divas, who back slap their friends, might take a page from Abrams' book. Less is always more. And, just being who you are simply works.
In her soft alto, she crooned some well chosen songs that showed her off - not who she wishes she was. Hers is not the strongest voice but she knows how to nail a tune. Likewise, her banter was uncluttered and not drowned in self absorption. She didn't try to fool anybody by tackling inappropriate material that was too cutesy but did little to interest the audience. Her songs all fit like a glove. This was especially so on an unlikely medley that fused two melancholic beauties, "A Beautiful Friendship" (Styne/Kahn) and "A Quiet Thing" (Kander/Ebb.) Perfection. The audience showed its appreciation in kind and rewarded her with warm applause that was sustained after her encore. Abrams may not be an ingénue or a star in waiting. But she has the class of Broadway's Angela Lansbury and the like (albeit a few decades younger!) One can only imagine what she might do with songs from "Dear World" or "Ballroom.
There were several other highlights that stood out including a new song, “The Melody Followed Me Home.” written by her songwriter uncle Vic Abrams (with Irving Reid) of whom she shared some fun memories from the Bronx days. Also in the mix, Amanda McBroom's wonderful “Make Me A Kite” and John Bucchino's beauty “That Smile" were winners by a pro who has class, sass and a lot of heart.
Metropolitan Room at Gotham
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