 "Stan
Edwards and Linda Ipanema reach a new height in their
careers in their new show, "One of those Songs." Edwards
has always been a gifted and soulful singer and Ipanema
a wildly talented comedian and wonderful interpreter
of songs, but they have rarely utilized what is so
great about themselves together: they are a terrific
team. They are opposites in personality and they complement
each other marvelously in "One of Those Songs." They
bring out the best in each other. There is sentiment,
warmth and talent in this show; a little bit of Burns
and Allen as well, although Linda Ipanema is a firecracker,
not Gracie's sweet addled housewife. But love is in
the air.
"One of Those Songs' is a homage to
the songs and singers of the 1950s, and it is a worthy
successor to "When the Lights Go On Again," the current
tribute show to the 1940s playing at The Triad. But here
the structure is freer, looser and more inventive: anarchy
and zaniness reign in the comedy numbers that are often
brilliant parodies and orgies of slapstick. They careen
far from the tight structures of standard tribute shows
and break up the audience in comic frenzies.
Edwards is in fine voice here, and
he brings feeling and unexpected tenderness to songs
like "Heart Of My Heart," "Play Me Hearts and Flowers," and "Here
In My Heart." He loves what he is doing. The underpinning
of the show is the chemistry and interplay between this
husband-and-wife team, beautifully rendered in a sexy
and funny interpretation of "Teach Me Tonight," the climax
of the first act. "One Of Those Songs" is far more than
a mere "tribute" show to the past; it undercuts nostalgia
and sentimentality with raucous comedy and irreverence,
and it presents two sensational entertainers in a format
that is less a trip into the past than a spotlight on
the magic of two performers in the vibrant present. You
won't forget "One of Those Songs."
David Evanier, author of the new novel-in-stories, "The
Great Kisser" (Rager Media), "Roman Candle: The
Life of Bobby Darin," "Making the Wiseguys Weep:
The Jimmy Roselli Story," co-author with Joe
Pantoliano of "Who's Sorry Now," and co-author
with Gia Maione Prima of the forthcoming Louis
Prima biography, "This Cat's Got Nine Lives." Evanier
is a former editor of "The Paris Review."
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