If you ever dreamed of gathering all your favorite female vocalists for one night and spending the evening listening to their signature numbers while you sat back and nursed a drink, then you’ll be interested to know that local chanteuse Lannie Garrett has the same dream.
Garrett has done unique covers of the great big-band hits, the songs for lovers, Django Reinhardt’s and Stephane Grappelli’s hits from the Hot Club of France, a fun knockoff of Patsy Cline for the annual stock show and her favorite themes from famous movies.
Her new show, in front of tastefully colorized and sequined posters of Judy Garland, Billie Holiday and Patsy Cline, recounts compelling biographical details of these immortal divas — as well as Nina Simone, Bette Midler, Dusty Springfield, Edith Piaf, Bonnie Raitt, Barbra Streisand, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Bessie Smith, Jo Stafford and Janis Joplin — before launching into unique interpretations and arrangements of their songs, seasoned with a sprinkling of impersonation in phrasing and inflection.
From Robin Ruscio’s moody, bass-only accompaniment on “I Go Out Walkin’ After Midnight” to a rollicking “Gimme a Pigfoot and a Bottle of Beer,” Garrett and her talented quintet put a new twist on the classics as well as some lesser-known compositions. Her English rendition of Piaf’s “Hymn to Love” is sure to bring out the handkerchiefs.
Always the engaging hostess, Garrett adds to the festivities with forays into the audience to collar a mature gentleman for Peggy Lee’s “Big Spender” and to dance with an 81-year old girlfriend to Bessie Smith’s roadhouse rhythms.
Bob Rebholz’s plaintive sax and Justin Adams’ magic on the 88s get things in gear with “My Baby Just Cares for Me,” and they continue throughout the card with choice riffs.
Mike Abbot’s superb guitar work ranges from vibe-like atmospherics to some fancy licks around Bonnie Raitt’s “Give It Up or Let Me Go” and the electric cries that punctuate “Piece of My Heart,” Janis Joplin’s anthem from the early days in San Francisco with Big Brother and the Holding Company
Todd Reid on the drums keeps everyone in the groove.
As a musical revue, “Great Women of Song” is a blend of satisfying favorites and obscure historical material that sometimes thrills and sometimes leaves us wanting something more definitive. Even so, Garrett never fails to sell the song.
Bob Bows also reviews theater for Variety, for KUVO/89.3 FM and for his website, . Reach him at bbows@coloradodrama.com.
“Great Women of Song: From Billie to Bette” *** (out of four stars)
Musical revue. Presented by Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret, 1601 Arapahoe St. Starring Lannie Garrett, with the Errand Boys of Rhythm. 2 hours, 15 minutes. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Sept. 26. $35. 303-293-0075.
This weekend’s theater openings
“Dial ‘M’ For Murder” It should be the perfect murder. A man has married his wife for her money and plans to off her before she leaves him for another man. Unfortunately, the man he hired to kill her gets murdered himself first, propelling this classic psychological tale by Frederick Knott. Through Sept. 20. Vintage Theatre, 2119 E. 17th Ave., 303-839-1361 or
“For the Benefit of Betsy” The Player’s Guild presents this one-weekend-only family comedy by Evelyn Shafner as a benefit for Ralston House, which advocates for Jefferson County children and teens who are suspected of being sexually, physically or emotionally abused. The play is about a mad caterer who takes a family all but prisoner during the graduation party they’re throwing for their daughter. 8 p.m. each night; pay what you can. Through Sunday. Arvada Festival Playhouse, 5665 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., 303- 422-4090 or
“Southern Hospitality” This is the final play in a trilogy of silliness that began with “Dearly Beloved” and “Christmas Belles.” The four Futrelle Sisters are in trouble again: Their beloved hometown of Fayro, Texas, is in danger of disappearing, and it’s up to the sisters to save it from extinction. Through Aug. 30. Crested Butte Mountain Theatre, 403 Second St., 970-349-0366 or
Compiled by John Moore
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