By Marilyn Lester . . .

Marci  Kraft: Come Party with Marci!, subtitled Marci Kraft Gives Her Regards to Broadway in the Kraft Music Hall (a clever reference to a TV variety show that ran from the 1950s-70s) was a breathtaking tour de force of a performance. In 70 minutes, Kraft sang 41 songs and delivered a narrative that set up each one in context. The amount of memorization that this entailed remains mind-boggling, and even more so is that in this musical endurance test, Kraft never faltered in her delivery—and if she did, we of the audience never knew it.

Kraft’s extravaganza of a show was created and directed by Marilyn Maye, who was able to take her love of a medley to new heights in the art and— pun intended—craft of cabaret performance via this prize student. From a swinging “Who Will Buy” (Oliver) and “Lullaby of Broadway” (42nd Street) to a balladic West Side Story suite (“Something’s Coming,” “Tonight,” “Somewhere”), this newly-minted diva revealed a fine musicality, with powerful clarity and interpretive skill. As Kraft entered deeply into the set, one couldn’t help but think of that Broadway legend, Elaine Stritch. Like Stritch, Kraft’s vocal tone, an earthy mezzo (lower than Stritch’s), with a bit of gravel, goes hand-in-hand with plenty of presence and the ability to put a song across with authenticity.

Before this cabaret debut at Don’t Tell Mama, Kraft had a day job as an attorney with the New York Times company. We learned this in her intro to “Nine to Five” (9 to 5). It’s no wonder that with a demanding career as a lawyer she immediately exuded confidence in this new role. And then there was the keen ability of Maye to know her student’s capacities and skills to the proverbial “T.” The carefully curated set of musical numbers was tailored to Kraft’s vocal range, ability to swing and a knack for comedy. She had fun riffing on the name of the song “Don’t Tell Mama” (Cabaret) with special lyrics (Maye has a love of and talent for writing them). Her “Brush Up Your Shakespeare” (Kiss Me Kate) and “Shakespeare Lied” (How Now Dow Jones) were darn funny. And to put a fine point on it, Kraft’s mouse voice segment in the “Cinderella Work Song” (Cinderella) drew deserved laughs.

In citing the forward-thinking rap presence of music way back in the day with The Music Man, she gave a superb delivery of the demanding “Trouble.” Her take on “You’ll Be Back” (Hamilton) was great fun. More “rap” appeared in “On Broadway” (Smokey Joe’s Cafe), which featured a list of Broadway shows via special lyrics. At the top of Come Party with Marci!, Kraft announced that the songs she’d be singing were not only a tribute to the musicals they derived from, but the theaters they played in. Closing the show, to the tune of “Give My Regards to Broadway” (Little Johnny Jones) she also impressively rapped out a long list of theater names.

A cherry on the sundae came with guest artist, Sidney Myer, the king of the cabaret stage who possesses a stellar knack for comic delivery. Myer joined Kraft to offer a slice of delight from Fiddler on the Roof. Their “Do You Love” me was both poignant and humorous. But, wait for it, in Broadway Backwards mode, they switched roles, making the lyrics pop with rarified glee. It was perfect casting. In singing, Fiddler’s “To Life,” spontaneous, joyous audience clapping ensued, as it had previously on “Dancing Queen” (Mama Mia). By the closing medley of “The Best of Times” (La Cage Aux Folles), “There’s No Business Like Show Business” (Annie Get Your Gun) and a reprise of “Give My Regards to Broadway,” the energy in the room had a happy audience flying sky high.

Now, having proved herself, the question is: what’s next for Marci Kraft? Perhaps more “traditional” cabaret. She did handle ballads well, switching into a higher head voice for tunes such as “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” (Cinderella) and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (The Lion King). With Marilyn Maye as a mentor and guide, that exploration seems a logical next step, and one that would be very welcome.

The quartet of musicians supporting Kraft were among the best in the business. Each had a mini spotlight moment upon being introduced. During the set, a bass intro from Tom Hubbard in “Getting to Know You” (The King and I) was especially lovely, and Jack Cavari’s guitar popped brightly on “Join Us” (Pippin). Drummer Daniel Glass provided splendid beats to the varied tunes, while music director-pianist David Pearl earned top kudos for his artistry and creativity on the keys.

Be sure to catch Marci Kraft who will be back at Don’t Tell Mama on April 12th and 18th @ 7 pm

Photos: Michael Lee Stever