MICHAEL FEINSTEIN and DAVID HYDE PIERCE
“One is Circumcised and the Other is Circumspect”
Reviewed by: Sandi "D"
December 2009
Theme less! Yes, it’s all about not having a theme. That’s what Michael Feinstein and David Hyde Pierce said of their new act at Feinstein’s at the Lowe’s Regency. What does it matter? They’re two long time friends who knew each other from L.A. and even their families are friends. I guess that’s enough to make for solid fun and entertainment as they cavort, seemingly unrestrained in slapstick mode “Together With Music” (Noel Coward).
Banter and ad-libs run wild as Pierce describes Feinstein as having a Presidential Library of music in his mind resulting in a duet of Porter’s “You’re The Top.” Pierce says “people are going to Geitner and Buffet for economic solutions but no one has asked Jerry Herman” who seems to have it all figured out with “Penny in My Pocket” (song cut from Hello Dolly). Pierce’ droll humor and easy delivery make it all seem so effortless! Feinstein is boyish and dreamy as ever, in great tenor voice, with Strouse/Adams “A Lot of Livin’ To Do” highlighted by an opening Christmas medley. Feinstein’s rousing dramatic “What Kind of Fool Am I” is met with show stopper “You Won’t Succeed On Broadway” which Pierce performed on Broadway in Monty Python’s Spamalot.
They are a perfect match, “The Best of Friends” (Shaiman/Bergmans) and master of the art of teamwork. As Pierce so succinctly puts it - “I’m a WASP, he’s Jewish; one is circumcised and the other is circumspect.” Both sat down at the piano to end the evening with Scott Joplin’s “Maple Rag Leaf” at top speed.
John Oddo was at the piano and is musical director/arranger with mark Vinci on reeds; George Rabbai on trumpet/flugelhorn, Jim Saporito on drums and Jay Leonhart on bass.
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