The Show: “Don’t Make Me Sing: A Cabaret featuring Sara James,” a production of Theatre Downtown at Homewood Theatre.
The vocalists: Sara James, with Haley Evans Skipper, B.J. Underwood and Leah Luker.
The band: Maria Wilson on piano, Maury Levine on percussion, Matt Williamson on guitar.
The highlights: An interesting mix of songs, against a sometimes serious, often funny backdrop of James’ struggles with alcohol. The songs were from shows such as “Ordinary Days,” “Songs for a New World,” “Follies,” “Into the Woods,” “Title of Show,” “The Last Five Years,” “Cabaret” and others. James is a versatile and accomplished singer and actress, and all of that was on display for a wonderful “Over the Moon” from “Rent.”
More about the show: The night was not without its hiccups – James lost her way in her on-stage notes a few times and had to stop a song once – but even those moments were endearing.
Bottom line: A night of song that was a little rough around the edges but ultimately entertaining and engaging.
“Don’t Make Me Sing: A Cabaret featuring Sara James,” a production of Theatre Downtown at Homewood Theatre on Aug. 16.
