Cabaret Review by Ron Fassler . . . 

Cabaret regular Renee Katz is back with a new show at Don’t Tell Mama titled “Lost in His Arms.” It doesn’t take much of a sleuth to figure out this is an evening dedicated to Irving Berlin. As such (and as the old saying goes), “It had me at ‘hello.’”

Was anyone else who wrote both music and lyrics during the era of the Great American Songbook as versatile as Berlin? Yes, Cole Porter was brilliant with his clever wordplay and sophistication, but he couldn’t be homespun if he tried (and never did). Berlin could do both. Frank Loesser was as good a composer as he was a lyricist, but he died young and only managed about half the output of Berlin. Johnny Mercer did both, but collaborated freely with so many others that he shortchanged himself from becoming a dazzler like Berlin, who really was in a class by himself. Katz’s set list showcased the range and depth Berlin offered and she even managed to go as far back as 1911 (!) and as late as 1986 when, many years after Berlin officially crafted a song for public consumption, was still writing lyrics (musical director Christopher Marlowe provided the music for the song titled, “Till This Crazy World is Sane Again”). For those not in the know, Berlin lived until the age of 101.

Unfamiliar with Katz as a performer, this 70-minute set was my introduction to her talents. She has a lovely soprano which is ripening with age and certainly brings to mind the late Barbara Cook. In particular, the similarities in how they use their vocal range to explore new ways of interpreting Berlin’s material, keeping them earthbound and not just expressions of technique. I confess to having Cook’s voice in my head as I listened to Katz sing such songs as “Remember,” “How Deep is the Ocean?” and, of course, “Lost in His Arms.” As Cook had Wally Harper as her musical director and arranger, Katz is blessed in her partnership for this show with Christopher Marlowe. Exquisitely sensitive as an accompanist, the songs all sounded about as good as Berlin songs get and always should. Ritt Henn on bass, who also provided some whistling and singing on a few tunes, was a welcome treat.

A cabaret singing staple himself, Jeff Harnar directed the evening and surely had a hand in the selection of material, which is top notch. The only drawback to my eye (not ear), is that I almost asked for a flashlight to help locate Katz while she was singing. The lighting was so dim I thought I was in Hernando’s Hideaway and not Don’t Tell Mama.

Katz isn’t much for banter, though she provided a few personal stories that she delivered so sincerely that it felt like we were being a little short-changed. Her father was named Isadore and, like Berlin, was Izzy to friends (Berlin was born Israel Beilin). She also let out a spontaneous giggle at one point that was so delightful it made me yearn for a bit more of that. Perhaps she’s a bit shy or this being her first of a scheduled three shows she’s still finding her way into things, but I would encourage her to act a bit more freely. It suits her. She wears her heart on her sleeve, which is very endearing.

For me, the pleasure of hearing anyone pay tribute to Irving Berlin is a gift. Listening to “Always,” “Be Careful It’s My Heart,” and “The Song Is Ended” emanate pure joy and touch me deeply. Renee Katz is paying loving tribute to a master and if you find yourself in the vicinity of West 46th Street in November, drop in and pay her a call. 

Lost in His Arms: Renee Katz sings Irving Berlin played September 21st at Don’t’ Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th Street, NYC and will be back November 12th and 16th at 7:00 pm. For further information, please visit: https://shows.donttellmamanyc.com/?month=11&year=2024&next=1

Photos by Maryann Lopinto.