Darren Stewart-Jones
It's a brave move for a performer to even contemplate touching the Holy Grail of Liza Minnelli - the songs of John Kander and Fred Ebb. Minnelli's career is defined by their music, with the songwriting duo penning several tunes specifically for her over the years. In #KanderAndEbb, Ryan G. Hinds wisely avoids most of the songs made famous by Minnelli, attempting to "get a piece of the pie" for himself.
With his unique charm and chutzpah, Hinds does a nice job of interpreting some of the songwriting team's lesser known material. He approaches each song as a monologue or story, something Minnelli herself would approve of. He also shares some fun anecdotes of his personal interactions with the songwriters, Minnelli and the fabulous Chita Rivera - another of Kander and Ebb's muses.
Personally, I would have enjoyed hearing another story or two about Hinds' brushes with celebrity in between songs. While I thoroughly appreciate the razzle-dazzle of Hinds' glitzy showbiz persona, he is unexpectedly at his best when he is truly honest with his audience, as in his touching interpretation of A Quiet Thing.
Tickets and info on all Fringe shows can be found at fringetoronto.com
It's a brave move for a performer to even contemplate touching the Holy Grail of Liza Minnelli - the songs of John Kander and Fred Ebb. Minnelli's career is defined by their music, with the songwriting duo penning several tunes specifically for her over the years. In #KanderAndEbb, Ryan G. Hinds wisely avoids most of the songs made famous by Minnelli, attempting to "get a piece of the pie" for himself.
With his unique charm and chutzpah, Hinds does a nice job of interpreting some of the songwriting team's lesser known material. He approaches each song as a monologue or story, something Minnelli herself would approve of. He also shares some fun anecdotes of his personal interactions with the songwriters, Minnelli and the fabulous Chita Rivera - another of Kander and Ebb's muses.
Personally, I would have enjoyed hearing another story or two about Hinds' brushes with celebrity in between songs. While I thoroughly appreciate the razzle-dazzle of Hinds' glitzy showbiz persona, he is unexpectedly at his best when he is truly honest with his audience, as in his touching interpretation of A Quiet Thing.
Tickets and info on all Fringe shows can be found at fringetoronto.com
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