BWW Reviews: Sirens Orr and Rachelle a Hit at Sterling's

Singing actresses Sarah Orr and Valerie Rachelle sure know how to take real life experiences and weave them into an extraordinary musical show! On Sunday October 21 at Sterling's Upstairs at the Federal the two Sirens put on a slicker than slick presentation, glossier and more fine-tuned than most cabarets. They managed to make you laugh and cry simultaneously and kept the hour long beat rolling forward without the slightest glitch or hesitation. What professionalism and what dynamic, big belting voices that together almost blew the roof off the Federal!

Oh, did I mention how funny...how outrageous they were? Four letter words and descriptions of sexual activity were hilariously utilized but it never detracted from the enjoyment, and the two gals still came off endearing, regardless of the color of their remarks. Sarah Orr (right) had a hysterectomy in the throes of a promising Broadway audition for songwriter William Finn. Petite Valerie Rachelle (left) faced a raft of problems with an ailing alcoholic father and bipolar mother. Both faced difficulties in finding the right mates. Odds for success were against them, but somehow they got through it all with what seems remarkasble gusto.

Highlights of the evening include: a vibrant "Oh My God" from Legally Blonde, Val's soaring "Forget About the Boy" from Thoroughly Modern Millie, a delightfully reworked torchy duet on "Maybe This Time" from Cabaret, Sarah's jazzy "Famous" as a plus size girl 'Ginger Snap" in the group The Glamazons from TV's America's Got Talent, and a gorgeous duet on Andrew Lloyd Weber's "Unexpected Song". There was also a simply beautiful rendition of "Sailing" from Sarah, and the two expressed their wishes for everyone's success with "Find Your Grail" from Spamalot. They also did a spectacular birthday wish song to their friend James "Suddenly Seymour" from Little Shop of Horrors, calling it "Suddenly Jamestown". Very funny! Musical director Richard Berent served masterfully at the piano throughout.

Don't miss these two divas Sarah and Valerie whenever they perform. They've got the goods and are unafraid to deliver them with abundant style and comic flair.

Don Grigware is an Ovation nominated actor and writer whose contributions to theatre through the years have included 6 years as theatre editor of NoHoLA, a contributor to LA Stage magazine and currently on his own website: www.grigwaretalkstheatre.com

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