Music Review by Ron Fassler . . .
Three-time Tony Award nominee Kevin Chamberlin, veteran of ten Broadway shows and numerous off-Broadway and regional productions, made his New York City cabaret debut this weekend at Green Room 42. It was a cause for celebration not only because of that but Monday night’s show was also his birthday. Co-written and directed by Michael Gans, who is Chamberlin’s husband, the intimate party was a joyous occasion for Chamberlin to give back to his many, many fans (both shows were fed through live feeds). Funny, but even with all his significant theatrical credits, Chamberlin is most recognized for his role as Bertram the butler on the Disney Channel series Jessie (2011). For four years and ninety-eight episodes, his lazy butler has made him a hero to kids all over—a legion of which are now grown and in college. It’s one of the reason he has 11 million Tik Tok followers. If you find that hard to believe, Chamberlin is right there with you. He can hardly wrap his mind around it.
Opening with an original song mashing melodies with lyrics that honor ways to identify happiness set the theme for the show, which had Chamberlin looking back on his career with gratefulness, even for the bumps in the road (not all those Broadway shows were hits, you know). His optimism infectious, the audience went right along and it felt at times like one big group smile. Treated to highlights from musicals he’s become identified with, first and foremost came Seussical, for which he created the role of Dr. Seuss’s Horton the Elephant. In fact, appearing in the chorus of his first Broadway show, My Favorite Year (1992), is what led its composing team, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, to begin writing Horton with the actor in mind. Though My Favorite Year failed, something great came out of it for him, again a life lesson Chamberlin was happy to share.
He told stories of working with such famous folk as Mary Tyler Moore and Usher (they shared the stage together as two of the many replacements who’ve frequented the Broadway production of Chicago over the last twenty-eight years). And just for the fun of it, recreated one of his favorite parts—the Cowardly Lion—which he played in high school. His imitation of Bert Lahr is priceless and, just for the fun of it, had the hilarious Jackie Hoffman come up on stage and feed him some of Dorothy’s lines, as well as two friends to fill in for the Scarecrow and Tin Man. Suffice it to say, you haven’t lived till you’ve seen Kevin Chamberlin sing “If I Were King of the Forest.”
Special guests also included Janine LaManna, the original Gertrude McFuzz from Seussical, who performed the duet “Notice Me Horton” with Chamberlin. Probably the best song in the score “Alone in the Universe” was represented too with young Kai Edgar, currently appearing in Elf on Broadway, singing the part of JoJo. His and Chamberlin’s voices soared and blended beautifully and, if you haven’t got in on your short list of shows, go see Elf. It’s wonderful and Kai is a standout. Also, mention should be made of musical director Michael Orland’s significant contribution to how wonderfully the evening played.
The theme of joy and happiness was best utilized at the finish with Billy Joel’s “Summer Highland Falls” as the closing song. Its first verse, a perfect parable for our current times:
“They say that these are not the best of times
But they’re the only times I’ve ever known.
And I believe there is a time for meditation
In cathedrals of our own.
Now I have seen that sad surrender in my lover’s eyes
And I can only stand apart and sympathize
For we are always what our situations hand us
It’s either sadness or euphoria.”
It was a soothing balm and gave reason for thanks. It’s always a pleasure to have a Broadway baby like Kevin Chamberlin within the vicinity of the theatre hood to remind us what a funny and bracing presence he is. And yes, joyful.
Kevin Chamberlin was at Green Room 42, 570 Tenth Avenue, NYC, November 24 and 25. For information on future programming, please visit https://thegreenroom42.venuetix.com.
Photos by Ron Fassler.
Headline photo: Kevin Chamberlin and Kai Edgar.
