BWW Reviews: Tony Winner PAULO SZOT Sings and Sways in O.C. Cabaret Debut

One normally doesn't expect to see an operatic baritone put on an intimate jazz cabaret showcase, yet in Paulo Szot's Orange County debut, the audacious notion proves to be a surprisingly pleasant affair. Performing as part of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts' Cabaret series, the Tony Award-winning Broadway star of the much-lauded 2008 Lincoln Center revival of SOUTH PACIFIC will be serenading audiences nightly through this Sunday, December 18.

Blessed with old-school matinee idol suave, a legit, opera-honed voice that alternately caresses and belts notes, and a long list of exceptional credits on stages worldwide, Szot spends his evening in Costa Mesa bouncing from Latin-infused jazz (a nod to his Brazilian heritage) to Broadway torch songs and familiar American standards. Backed by a jazz trio led by his main musical arranger/pianist Bob Albanese, Szot bookends the show with a pair of stirring solos he sang while portraying Emile de Becque in SOUTH PACIFIC: he opens with "Some Enchanted Evening" and climaxes with the tear-inducing "This Nearly Was Mine." His powerful, booming interpretation of both songs—especially in the way he holds out his final note—more than validates his impressive vocal talents, providing his opening night audience vivid proof of why the man won a Tony Award for his Broadway debut in the first place. (Originally, Szot's cabaret showcase here in the O.C. was scheduled for last year, but his contract with SOUTH PACIFIC was extended effectively canceling that engagement).

Though he seems intent on performing the more up-tempo numbers "with a Brazilian flair," the more Samba sounds permeate a given arrangement, the more adorkably awkward his performances slightly become. From the somewhat schizophrenic medley of "Favella / How High The Moon / Tristeza / Brazil / The Girl from Ipanema" to the jubilant but rough scatting in the Latin-ized "Fly Me To The Moon" Szot appears to be more tentative within speedy rhythms, even though he bravely shakes and sambas to the undeniably infectious beats. Luckily, he fairs better with the fabulous, tango-tinged "Besame Mucho" and the Bossa Nova of "Wave" (the latter a song is courtesy of his native country's jazz hero Antonio Carlos Jobim)—rolling his R's that his heavy accent allows. The charming Szot manages to win over his audience by admitting that "Brazillian love is not possible...without the drama!"

To no one surprise, he sounds more at ease and seems more in command with slower ballads, tackling tearjerkers and songbook gems with a balanced amount of emotional heft and authenticity. His beautiful interpretations of "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square," Nat King Cole's "Nature Boy," and "If I Loved You" from CAROUSEL are true arbiters of his gorgeous voice. Even the mash-up of "Make Someone Happy" (from the Styne/Comden/Green musical DO-RE-MI) and "Carinhoso" is wonderful treat. Though he retreats back to a Samba-fied Cole Porter medley that includes "So In Love," "Love For Sale," "Easy to Love," and "From This Moment On," he once again wows the crowd with "This Nearly Was Mine" followed by an encore of "If Ever I Would Leave You" (from CAMELOT).

Unlike his peers in the cabaret world, Szot—who, perhaps, may be more comfortable in larger venues and opera houses—doesn't offer very much chatter or droll anecdotes between songs. Is it shyness? Is it a tentativeness due to an otherwise swoon-worthy accent? Who knows? Some may argue that choosing to have less banter allows him to retain an air of mystery by not divulging too much; but, really, it's hard not to conclude that he may not be as seasoned in this kind of performance format, at least not yet. There is no contesting that he's got charm and charisma to spare, traits that were quite evident during his enjoyable cabaret set that has potential to be even better. Those well-earned cheers are no fluke... Szot is a staggering talent. But now all he needs is less Samba and more drama!

Photo by Joan Marcus.

Follow this reviewer on Twitter: @cre8iveMLQ

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The Segerstrom Center for the Arts' 2011-2012 Cabaret Series continues with Grammy winning Jazz artist Steve Tyrell (Jan. 5-8, 2012). As of press time, the rescheduled performance date for Stephen Sondheim: In Conversation featuring Christine Ebersole and Brian Stokes Mitchell has not been set.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.SCFTA.org.