GURLAND & FARLEY SING RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN BY SANDI DURELL.

GURLAND & FARLEY SING RODGERS and HAMMERSTEIN
Laurie Beechman Theatre June 24 and 31, 2008
Reviewed by Sandi Durell

One of cabaret’s favorite tenors, David Gurland, has teamed up with Brian Farley, another tenor, for a romp through the R & H songbook. The show is witty, filled with panache and fills the parameters for an evening of great all-around entertainment.
Not only does this pair please our ears with beautiful harmonies and falsetto offerings, but they also dance!

When “Mary Martin” and “Gertrude Lawrence” (as they refer to themselves at the onset) open with The Sound of Music’s “Morning Hymn and Alleluia,” followed by “Do re mi o ra ma” and the counterpoint atop counterpoint, the stage is set for a formidable experience.

Rodgers and Hammerstein are acknowledged to be the greatest songwriting team in history. Singers are forever challenged how to present what’s been heard thousands of times so it’s new and creative to perk the ears of the savvy cabaret-seeker. Enter Tracy Stark, Musical Director/Arranger and David and Brian! Featuring songs from the extensive catalog of shows such as South Pacific’s “A Wonderful Guy” and King and I medley with intertwining arrangement of “Hello Young Lovers,” “I Have Dreamed” and “Something Wonderful,” along with Carousel’s “June Is Bustin’ Out All Over” (part of the Dance Break segment – a laugh a minute part of the show), the challenge is more than met with humor, talent and a new excitement.

The voices are masterful, the tongue-in-cheek presentation a riot. Brian’s rendition of “Something Good” is filled with nostalgic memory of his youth; David’s “What’s The Use of Wondrin?” a slow bluesy offering, is a real highlight.

We hope this pair will find additional dates to offer up this top notch revue!