Carmen unZipped: Jean Stilwell, mezzo-soprano, Patti Loach, piano       

 

In her new cabaret show at the Ernest Balmer Studio, Carmen unZipped, mezzo-soprano Jean Stilwell brought back the glory days of the great chanteuses and songs that took people on a journey.

The immensely rich concert featured sophisticated lyrics sung by a great interpreter.

 

Stilwell’s signature role is Carmen, and the songs related to both women, particularly the qualities they shared. Stilwell would mention a milestone in her own life, and sing an appropriate song that was an incisive commentary.

There wasn’t a trite tune in the bunch.

 

We heard greats like Arlen and Charlap, but Stilwell chose many contemporary Broadway composers who are children of Sondheim in capturing mood and sentiment, such as the cynical John Bucchino and the hilariously funny team of Marcy Heisler & Zina Goldrich.

The latter’s Taylor the Latté Boy and Apathetic Man brought down the house.

Incidentally, Carmen unZipped is also an outstanding CD.