By Brian Scott Lipton
Having taken part in numerous “54 Sings” shows at Feinstein’s/54 Below, Tyce Green has finally decided to go solo. And in doing so, the stunningly handsome singer, blessed as well with a remarkably flexible tenor and a huge belt, hardly chose a comfortable 75-minute set. Instead, Green alternated among beloved theater standards, lesser-known songs from musicals, and pop anthems with almost alarming alacrity – and, more importantly, impressive success. Yes, the act (and its patter) could use a bit more polish (and might have a tad more energy when Green isn’t suffering from jet lag), but this still is one of the more exciting debuts I’ve witnessed recently.
Backed by five musicians and two excellent backup vocalists, Green kicked the show off strongly with “Tear Me Down” (from “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”). As it happens, Hedwig marks just one of the parts the rising musical theater actor was possibly “auditioning” for with this show: there was a stunning “Heaven on Their Minds” (from “Jesus Christ Superstar”), a beautiful medley of “If I Loved You” (from “Carousel”) and “Phantom”’s “All I Ask of You” (with vocalist Arielle Murphy) and a really gorgeous “Unusual Way” (from “Nine”) inspired by Laura Benanti.
While Benanti wasn’t on hand, Green wisely asked three very special ladies to join him. He duetted with the sizzling Cheryl Freeman on “Acid Queen” (the song she originated on Broadway in “The Who’s Tommy”), the splendid Jenn Damiano on both “Superboy and the Invisible Girl” (from “Next to Normal”) and a pair of songs from “Spring Awakening,” and the big-voiced Anneliese Vanderpol on a glorious re-creation of the Barbra Streisand/Judy Garland medley of “Happy Days Are Here Again/Get Happy.”
As wonderful as these numbers were, I really enjoyed when Green sunk his teeth into modern pop, whether it was One Republic’s lovely “Counting Stars” or Lady Gaga’s ultra-catchy “Edge of Glory.” But his great shining moment, and the centerpiece of the show, was his hypnotic rendition of Jim Steinman’s “Objects in the Rearview Mirror May Appear Closer than They Really Are.” That song may have been a minor hit for Meat Loaf, but Green made it a full meal!
Tyce Green at Feinstein’s/54 Below (254 West 54th Street. 646-476-3551). January 1 at 7pm and January 2 at 9:30pm.
