By Alix Cohen
Unlike most musical theater artists who additionally perform cabaret, Michael Cerveris’s man-with-a-guitar persona couldn’t be more different than the robust, open-throated characters to which we’re accustomed. Singing his own songs, the artist takes one back to the fifties and sixties. Uncomplicated images, repetition of phrases and musical themes pervade.
Without the benefit of his band, New Orleans based Loose Cattle, for texture and variation, songs he’s written alone sound alike, whether lyrically folksy or gospel.Though Cerveris declares himself optimistic, they arrive wistful or woeful until the encore.
This is not to say there aren’t good parentheses. “The curtain is coming down,” reference in two songs to “little men” who rule, and “This is tomorrow calling you” reflect contemporary times. “What are the odds of the stars and the planets…beauty and badness/You and me…” shines out of “Hey Now.”
Vocals are nasal, and or gravely. Cerveris barely looks at his audience. He bends over and gazes down during instrumentals and otherwise infrequently opens his eyes, looking over us. This is particularly off-putting when the apparent intention is to share personal feelings. Knowing about the origin of some of his choices would help immeasurably. To be told he dreamed “God’s Teeth” does nothing to clarify its obscurity.
Material created in collaboration with Kimberly Kaye is notable for clever, specific lyrics. Examples include “Sidewalk Chicken”: “Rich man wants everything you own/Take the meat and leaves you the bone…” And “Unholy Rollers”: “There’s nothin’ worse than unholy rollers/Pushin’ babies in their strollers/Judging mothers they don’t know…”
The artist might consider returning with his band. And relating to his fans.
Opening photo- Zach Smith
Michael Cerveris: The Other Part
54 Below 254 West 54th Street
Venue Calendar: https://54below.org/calendar/?month=September+2026
