Lillias White & Billy Stritch ★★★★ The Crazy Coqs, Brasserie Zédel | April 14 - 23, 2022


In Lillias White Sings Broadway the multi-award-winning performer celebrates her career in the American theatre and projects some of the positive energy and powerful women characters portrayed in musicals. From "Something's Coming" through "Don't Rain On My Parade" we are presented with anthems of affirmation and empowerment. There are also moments of introspection like "Come Down From The Tree" and the magnificent rendition of "I am Changing" but the general tone is that of strength, self-confidence and survival. From Sonja's humorous lament in the "Oldest Profession" through Matron "Mama" Morton's "When You're Good To Mama" in Chicago, the core values of toughness and endurance are present. This is Lillias White's cabaret debut and occasionally nerves got the better of her and interactions with the audience seemed awkward. However, the story of her career, her powerful voice and the values projected in this passionate performance could not help but touch any audience. Indeed, White's encore, Sondheim and Bernstein's "Somewhere" serves as a sublime conclusion to both the evening and its narrative of feisty women.

Rated: ★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by KWPR.

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