EVERYTHING TO GAINES
AND NOTHING TO LOSE
No, he doesn’t sing “My Funny Valentine” in his entertaining show called Love Is in the Air on the night before Valentine’s Day at Green Room 42 (repeated on the holiday itself). Nor does Davis Gaines revisit any numbers from The Phantom of the Opera, a musical in which he’d played the title role over 2000 times and also had the role of Raoul on tour. And he isn’t resting on his laurels when it comes to stepping back into the shoes and songs of characters in musicals he’s been in. Oh, the versatile, engaging performer proudly mentions being in productions of Sweeney Todd, The Rink, and Camelot, but chooses to take on numbers that other characters get. And even then, there are surprises: selections from the first two are paired with other songs from other sources and one of Sir Lancelot’s Camelot pieces has its words and point of reference wildly revamped for well-done comic effect. (To say any more would be a spoiler for those who haven’t seen the cheeky Gaines revision.)
Sole accompaniment is by pianist John Olearchick, graceful on the keys; the two men evidence an ease with each other. While his past theatre and concert appearances have often found him in grandly earnest, big-voice hero mode, Davis Gaines is relaxed and down to earth, able to scale things back for the more intimate, calibrated vocal approach that is synonymous with cabaret. But some big bravura endings are present, too. There’s a wider vibrato on those notes than has been present in the past, although the years that he’s logged in show biz and life haven’t resulted in diminished energy or joy in performing, or dedication … unless he’s an even better actor than we think and the perceived attitude and serious focus are all just being faked. But I seriously doubt it. He seems to be comfortable and in his comfort zone, except for battling the remnants of symptoms from a recent bout of illness (which may be causing some caution in how he navigates the music) and frustration about what he hears in the monitors. (On four occasions between numbers, he calls out to the sound technicians to ask if he can get “more me” in the mix and wonders if others are hearing an annoying tinny feedback sound. I certainly was hearing it, and it was irritating, and it didn’t fully disappear for at least 15 minutes. I hadn’t encountered this problem in any of my many visits to The Green Room 42.)
One exception to the “I’ll sing other characters’ songs” policy comes with Hello, Dolly! This gets extra fond attention, when Davis Gaines recalls portraying Cornelius and the guy, without guile, presents the sweet ballad “It Only Takes a Moment” and takes the the time to include the mid-song monologue. And, while he’s on the subject, he shares some grateful memories about spending time with the musical’s iconic star, Carol Channing. He’s encouraged to tell more by an audience member who pipes up. It is the go-to expert on that legendary leading lady and that musical—Richard Skipper.
Love Is in the Air effectively presents three Stephen Sondheim picks: the act’s opening number was the original opening number of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum; “Not While I’m Around” from the aforementioned Sweeney Todd; and “All for You” from the early career score Saturday Night, a musical that was in limbo for decades. Davis Gaines had recorded this love declaration on the multi-artist collection Unsung Sondheim in the 1990s. Also in that decade, his only two solo CDs were released. A track from Against the Tide, the first album is on the set list – the now-century-old “Tea for Two” (not a reference to the usual cabaret two-drink minimum, as The Green Room 42 actually requires NO purchase of drinks or food at all). The singer’s other solo CD was a collection of classics with words by Sammy Cahn, three of which are among the evening’s treats. As this is a Valentine’s venture, Cahn’s snappy and sly lyrics are missing in action and it’s heartfelt romance all the way: “All the Way”; “Time After Time”; “All My Tomorrows.” All were written for Frank Sinatra to croon in movies.
In addition to love being in the air, so is some snow as we get onto the Manhattan streets. It makes one jealous of Californians who’ll have their chance to enjoy a concert by talented Davis Gaines at La Mirada Theatre on March 15. (No need to “beware the Ides of March” unless one is allergic to love songs.)
photo courtesy of the artist
Love Is in the Air
Davis Gaines
The Green Room 42, 570 10th Ave, New York
4th floor (the skylobby) of YOTEL
reviewed on February 13
ends on February 14, 2025
Music of the Night with Davis Gaines plays La Mirada Theatre March 15, 2025
