Reviews
Trio Mix Business and Pleasure
By Beverly Creasey
December 10, 2005
Sir Edward Elgar (of “Pomp and Circumstance” fame) said his idea about music and life is “that there is music in the air, music all around us; the world is full of it, and you simply take as much as you require.” These days we require a lot to lift us out of the despair born of war. We got a much welcome surfeit ---of music and joy---at Scullers Jazz Club this past week. IN GOOD COMPANY reunited Bobbi Carrey and Will McMillan (with Doug Hammer on piano) in a rollicking show about business: big, small, good, bad and show.
Carrey and McMillan are a lovely match, both musically and theatrically. Their cabaret performances always sparkle and surprise, together or by themselves, he with delicious song choices and ingenious “theme” shows and she with clever interpretations and dishy historical background. Together they’re even more delightful than the sum of their parts.
Part of the electricity comes from their topsy-turvy, inspired harmony: He’s often singing the high notes and she’s doing the harmony. She sounds a little like Judy Collins and he’s got the vocal sweetness of an Irish tenor. The balance is what makes it work---that and some dynamite arrangements by Doug Hammer (“Pennies From Heaven; Carousel; It’s a Lovely Day”). They weave unlikely songs together, like Frank Loesser’s “How to Succeed in Business” with Sondheim’s “Everybody Says Don’t” and they find inspiration in unlikely places. Their Disney montage is hilarious, complete with choreography!
In short, IN GOOD COMPANY is funny and poignant but these folks are serious about the company they keep. They’re not afraid to take on the giants of industry and take them to task, musically, that is. What Michael Moore has done for documentary film, these folks do for cabaret. Who says you can’t have a good time while you’re doing good. Not me. As Sondheim says, they sure are good at “Putting It Together.” When they get it together again, make it your business to be there.