By Marilyn Lester . . .
Star quality is ineffable, yet an attribute unmistakable in someone who possesses it. Is it a gift from the gods? Genetic? Is it teachable? No matter—star quality is certainly in the DNA of Mauricio Martinez, who proved it once again at 54 Below in 5’11, Based in NYC. Written by Martínez and Robbie Rozelle and directed by Rozelle, the show was cabaret perfection in its execution, all to the good since over two nights (October 5 and 6) it was being recorded for a new album (in English). Martinez has already released two pop albums in Mexico. Adding power and pizzazz to this artistic enterprise was music director and arranger, Brian J. Nash, who led a quartet of A-list musicians, as well as contributing backup vocals himself on a couple of tunes.
The conceit of 5’11, Based in NYC was the largely pandemic-born, and now preferred, audition method for actors of self-taping. And so, on video screens flanking the stage, Martinez appeared in a series of hilarious self-tapes “filling up his Dropbox,” before making a dramatic appearance in the flesh with his opener, a medley of “One Night Only”/“I Hope I Get It”/“I’m Your Baby Tonight” (Dream Girls, A Chorus Line and music/lyrics: L.A. Reid, Babyface). As the evening unspooled, becoming more thrilling with each passing moment, it became clear that much of the set was drawn from Martinez’ career as a superstar in his native Mexico, where he’s a major award winner, including a Mexican Emmy, as well as other iconic songs of the musical stage. Each was a perfect choice to demonstrate his prowess as a vocalist, actor and entertainer.
Trained in both Mexico and the US, Martinez mainly came to the attention of American audiences through his starring role as Emilio Estefan in Broadway’s On Your Feet! He toured nationally with the show, and, among other regional credits, most recently played Cervantes/Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha at the famed Asolo Repertory Theater in Sarasota, Florida. When he performed “Man of La Mancha” as part of a medley, as well as his encore closer, “The Impossible Dream,” hearts stopped. Not only does this bari-tenor have a remarkable, robust and honied vocal tone, which can reach operatic heights, his phrasing and interpretive skills are off the charts. But then, Martinez is versatile. He’s appeared as a straight actor in plays, film and TV in both Mexico and the U.S. And leaving no doubt about his abilities and chops, he handled the complexities of Stephen Sondheim in “Another Hundred People” with ease.
An often humorous narrative ran through the evening, neatly setting up songs and tying the various elements of the show together (also using video and images on screen). Unmistakably a “really nice guy type” (he is), Martinez had great fun relating his turns as the villain in many Mexican soap operas (telenovelas), singing a “villain medley,” which included “Sympathy for the Duke” from Moulin Rouge. The self-tape setup appeared again with two guest artist appearances. The first was Linedy Genao (most recently Bad Cinderella) and Martinez’ costar in On Your Feet! who was a vocal partner in the medley that included “Man of La Mancha.” From Funny Girl, “I Am Woman” was sung with drag artist, Alexis Michelle, humorously channeling Barbra Streisand. Michelle has appeared on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” a show in which Martinez was recently a judge. A tender moment came with the dedication of “Music of the Night” to his mother (in the audience), from her favorite musical, Phantom of the Opera. Martinez sang it in Spanish (“Musica En La Oscuridad”), a stirring rendition in any language.
By the end of 5’11” Based in NYC, the audience, made up of many Mexican friends and fans, was suitably pumped and eager to show their affection and admiration for this amazing talent, shouting “otra! otra!” (literally, “another,” the equivalent of “encore”) con fuerza—with force. During the penultimate number, Hamilton’s “You’ll Be Back,” there was clapping, moving, singing along and general excitement, encouraged by Martinez. It was all delicious fun. Let’s hope Mauricio Martinez keeps rolling out those self-tapes; he deserves to be a superstar here in the USA, hands down.
The musicians backing the singer were a seasoned group of primarily Broadway pit players who added immeasurably to the energy and excellence of the evening. Under Nash’s direction, they were Mary Ann McSweeney (double bass and bass guitar), Eleanor Norton (cello) and Jeremy Yaddaw (drums).
Photos: Sandi Durell
