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by: Linda Amiel Burns

 

 
Quadruple threat Robert Creighton brought his cabaret show “Lucky In Love” to The Metropolitan Room for one night only on Feb. 8, 2016.

Only four years ago, Robert Creighton performed his first cabaret show at The Metropolitan Room where he held the release party for his CD “Ain’t We Got Fun.” This talented entertainer has been very busy since then with other projects, including the role of Durdles in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, the Roundabout’s revival of Anything Goes and most of all, starring in Cagney at the York Theater, the musical that he also co-authored with Peter Colley and Christopher McGovern. Cagney will begin an open ended run at Westside Theater with previews beginning on March 15 for an April 3rd opening.

On February 8th, 2016 Creighton brought his new show, “Lucky In Love” to the Metropolitan Room singing romance-themed songs in honor of the season and opening with “Love Is In The Air” a brilliant Sondheim song written in 1962 that was cut from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Creighton usually sings songs from the 20’s and 30’s, but made an exception in this case.
His version of “Makin’ Whoopee,” evoking the late great Eddie Cantor, was exceptional yet he made it his own. The remarkable musicians, Musical Director Matt Perri on piano, Steve Count on bass, and Larry Lelli on drums really shone on “It Had to Be You” where the versatile Creighton joined the trio with a trumpet solo.

We were treated to two songs from Cagney written by Creighton, “Crazy ‘Bout You,” to which he added special lyrics, and “Fallin’ In Love” performed as duet in the show. He brought up on stage his special guest artist, Judy McLane, star of Mamma Mia. They became friends 22 years ago when they were both in Oliver at the Paper Mill Playhouse. “A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square” was a moving duet and their harmonies were perfect. He also performed a tender rendition of “Where Is Love?” from that show, a song that his role as the Artful Dodger doesn’t get to sing. As a change of pace, Creighton and pianist Matt Perri dueted on a terrific jazzy rendition of Harry Connick, Jr.’s “Recipe For Love” which showed off his vocal skills.

Following the Valentine theme of the show, Creighton sang two songs he wrote for his wife, “Because of Her” sung acapella as it was “still a work in progress” and the amusing “Mac in My Cheese” accompanying himself on the ukulele. One of my favorites was “When I’m Not near The Girl I Love” from Finian’s Rainbow, which demonstrated Creighton’s impish personality and sense of humor.

It was a pleasure to attend a cabaret show that was entertaining from beginning to end. It is obvious that Robert Creighton loves performing and was born to be on stage. He is charming, funny, and reminiscent of a young Mickey Rooney, another performer who also was able to do it all! Don’t miss the upcoming Cagney at the Westside Theater where Creighton becomes the ultimate song and dance man, along with showing off his great acting skills.

Visit: http://www.robertcreightonnyc.com from more info and learn how to get tickets for CAGNEY at the Westside Theater.