By Andrew Poretz . . .
Robin Lyon was a not-quite-major Broadway performer in the 1980s and early 1990s. A talented singer, dancer and actress, she had multiple credits in such shows as A Chorus Line and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and was a “lucky charm” for the New York Knicks when she sang the National Anthem. Robin made the decision to give up show business to raise a family. Instead of a Broadway star, she became a real estate star. Now, with her children grown, the roar of the greasepaint has lured Robin back. With musical director Michael Orland, she put together a winning cabaret show of whimsical, funny and often touching musical theater songs, playing to sold-out audiences in Chicago, Los Angeles, Palm Springs and, most importantly, New York.
On Thursday, June 9 at The Green Room 42, the very youthful Ms. Lyon dazzled in a short dress with something of a “flapper” vibe. An avid tennis and pickleball player, she still has the lithe figure of a dancer and appears no older than 50, even close up. This made it quite surprising when she later revealed herself to be 63. The popular performer’s full house included fans, friends, family, fellow Realtors and even clients.
The show, directed by Joanne Hunter, got off to a rousing start with “Use What You Got” (Cy Coleman/Ira Gasman). At times, the lyrics seemed autobiographical:
There’s only so much time to blow your little horn
Before your time has come and gone
For a number making fun of auditioning, Mr. Orland and Ms. Lyon concocted a delightful medley with funny parody lyrics of Marvin Hamlisch songs. The star shines with song parodies, combining strong vocals with deft comedy timing. Lamenting lost opportunities to star in Cats on Broadway, she performed “Memory” here, but with Pam Peterson’s brilliant, laugh-out-loud funny lyrics that replaced the Trevor Nunn/T.S. Eliot lines. (Ms. Lyon performed this version of the song to win the 2021 Tomatoes Got Talent award.)
Damn! What did I walk in this room for?
Maybe when I was younger, I took too many ’ludes.
Where’s that Ginkgo biloba that I picked up today?
Oh, I left it at Whole Foods.
Ms. Lyon’s autobiographical patter throughout was sweet and warm. She admitted to being a largely autodidactic singer, copying every note and nuance from Barbra Streisand albums and later, Melissa Manchester. She sang an upbeat, bluesy Manchester song, “Let It Ride,” to honor her musical muse.
“You Can Have the TV” (Craig Carnelia) is an unusual, funny song about the petty negotiations of who gets what in a divorce. This served as a warmup song for the divorced Ms. Lyons to riff on her experiences with online dating and “finding her person.” The whimsical “He Ain’t Mr. Right” (Jeff Franzel/Amy Powers) allowed her to declare that “Mr. Right Now” will do for now. She confessed, “I didn’t write it, I’m just living it!”
The star thanked the man who helped relight her performing flame, Mark Bernstein, whom she met at her local Manhattan temple. She brought up Mr. Bernstein, who has a strong baritone voice, for a touching rendition of the iconic 1963 medley sung by Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland of “Happy Days are Here Again” and “Get Happy.” (By happy coincidence, Judy Garland’s 100th birthday was the next day, June 10th.)
Robin’s connection to her family is at the heart of all she does. Her children were present, and her two encore songs were all about family. “Times Like This” (Stephen Flaherty, from Lucky Stiff) was an ode to her dog (complete with photos shown on the monitor and side screen). She emotionally thanked her children, sharing a note from them that tugged at the heartstrings. She then performed the lullaby she used to sing them to sleep, “Neverland” from” Peter Pan” (Jule Styne/Betty Comden, Adolph Green), which was something of a payoff for the entire show. Drummer David Rokeach seemingly created magic dust with his percussive effects.
Robin Lyon is a fine performer with a strong aptitude for comedic musical theater pieces. Her delivery, interpretative skills and timing is first-rate. Her voice is strong, although she sometimes does not quite make her notes in the upper register on some songs, which might necessitate some lowering of keys here and there. The arrangements by master accompanist Michael Orland are exceptional, and the support of bassist Cole Davis and drummer David Rokeach made for great teamwork.
Robin Lyon performed Been There, Done That, Now What? June 9 at The Green Room 42 at the Yotel (570 Tenth Avenue, between 41st and 42nd Streets). www.greenfignyc.com
Photos: Maryann Lopinto
