NY Cabaret Review Linda Amiel Burns
As a teenager, Lucille Carr-Kaffashan was lucky enough to be one of the 56,000 cheering fans at the famous outdoor concert of the Beatles at Shea Stadium on August 15, 1965. Her uncle was on the security team and was able to arrange a seat in the press box. This made her a lifelong fan and 10 years ago, Lucille created a Beatles Tribute show with David Brunetti to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the “Fab Four’s” first appearance in America on Feb. 9, 1964 on the Ed Sullivan Show, which was viewed by over 70 million people.
Lucille’s latest show at Don’t Tell Mama “In My Life – Celebrating 50 Years of Beatles Music” has been reworked by director Eric Michael Gillett and still uses David’s lush arrangements. Lucille’s enthusiasm for the material is apparent and the songs are well acted as she gives new meanings to the lyrics. Many we have heard over and over, yet she asks us to listen to them this time in a new way. Vocally, Lucille is very strong and can vary her voice to suit the different moods created by the songs, some standards and many not well known. Her incredible musicians add another dimension of excitement to the songs with Jeff Cubeta on piano and vocals, Sean Harness on guitar and Jacob Silver on bass guitar.
This extraordinary 90-minute show covers the years from 1964 to 1970 with over 25 songs, some in medleys. The patter is very well thought out and always interesting and she talks about “Baby Boomer’s Memory Lane” and coming of age in the 60’s during a turbulent time in America’s history. The Beatles and their continued “search for personal freedom” was an important part of the changes that were happening in the country and resonated with the youth of the era. Some highlights include the pairing of “The Inner Light, “Fixing A Hole” and” Lucy In The Sky with Diamonds” – a medley to represent the time when the Beatles went to India to find enlightenment. The musical tribute “The Two of Us” with “Let It Be” was particularly effective, as was “I’m Looking Through You” with “I’ll Follow The Sun.” Several songs followed the course of a relationship ending with “We Can Work It Out” and then the heartbreak of “”For No One.” Many of the Beatles most popular songs were included such as “Help”, “Yesterday,” “Something,” but the order always made sense and told a story. Lucille closed with the anthem “In My Life” that seems to sum up a life’s journey and a perfect way to end this first-rate evening of song.
Lucille has one more show on Sunday, November 9th at 5PM. For reservations: phone 212 757-0788 after 4PM
