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Regional Reviews: San Francisco Kelly Brandeburg Also see Richard's reviews of Champagne White and the Temple of Poon and Triangle, Patrick's review of Yesterday Again and Eddie's review of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
This young artist holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre degree from The New School in New York City. She is also a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and has studied with Tony nominated actress Catherine Cox, Broadway star Jason Graae, and Tony nominee Emily Skinner. She has also been nominated for two San Francisco Bay Area Critics Circle Awards for her leading roles in Catch Me If You Can and Oliver! at Spreckels Theatre in Santa Rosa. Last year she performed her show before 500 persons at the Spreckels Theatre. Kelly Brandeburg sang 20 songs associated with Barbra Streisand and between songs she told stories about the meteoric rise of the Broadway and film diva, from her days as a cabaret singer in Greenwich Village to her triumphs on Broadway, television, and in Hollywood films. The talented artist sang selections from Funny Girl and Yentl, and popular hits including "The Way We Were," "Children Will Listen/Not While I'm Around," and "Evergreen." Kelly effortlessly produced a galvanizing performance for her 80 minutes on the small stage. With her commanding presence and vibrant, powerful voice she was right at home singing the Streisand songs. There were also some of the lesser known songs that Streisand sang, including "A Sleepin' Bee" (Barbra made her TV debut singing this song in 1962 at age 18 on "The Tonight Show") and "Miss Marmelstein" (from her first Broadway show I Can Get It for You Wholesale). The chanteuse wowed the audience with not only singing but acting out "I'm the Greatest Star" and "Second Hand Rose." She sang the aching, wistful "My Man" in such a rhapsodic and pulsating style that it stopped the show. Her take on a Yentl medley included "Papa, Can You Hear Me?," "No Wonder," and "A Piece of Sky," and was beautiful and heartfelt. She closed the show with the rousing "Don't Rain on My Parade." During the performance Kelly announced that she had just signed a contract with Beach Blanket Babylon to understudy the Val Diamond role. Society Cabaret is located in the Hotel Rex, 562 Sutter Street, San Francisco. For information on upcoming events go to www.societycabaret.com. |
