Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – The fabulous JULIE BENKO flexes her considerable vocal abilities in a Mardi Gras-inspired set

• By drediman
• February 7, 2023
• No Comments

Last night, I caught the fabulous Julie Benko at Birdland Jazz Club. Perhaps best known as being Lea Michele’s — and previously Beanie Feldstein’s — alternate in the current Broadway revival of Funny Girl, Ms. Benko shines even more brightly playing herself on the cabaret stage, where she can break free from the specific constraints of the famous Jule Styne and Bob Merrill score and fully flex and show off her considerable vocal abilities and innate sense of musicality.

Together with her jazz-pianist husband Jason Yeager, Benko has curated an ideal cabaret act. Balanced and well-researched, their show vividly channels the spirit of Mardis Gras and by extension the fascinating city of New Orleans, of which both are big fans. Beginning with a rousing march through the sold out Birdland audience (“Basin Street Blues / Bourbon Street Parade”) and ending with a tender and intimate delivery of “Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?” as her encore, Ms. Benko was invariably in superb voice. The singing actress is a natural jazz singer, and it was a pleasure to hear her let loose in confident and stylish renditions of “Pretty Baby” and “Let the Good Times Roll / Tipitina”. Also enchanting was her lilting “Lakes of Pontrachrain”, a refreshing detour from jazzy fare into Irish troubadour territory. Throughout, Ms. Benko’s instrument — which is capable of both sweetness and sass — was controlled yet pliable, and wielded with great intelligence and finesse.

In addition to her merits as an emerging vocal artist of distinctive flair, Ms. Benko’s rapport with the audience was a great treat. Over the course of the evening, her banter was cool and engaging, and her occasional off-the-cuff comic remarks would have made Fanny Brice proud. The night’s set was skillfully arranged by the charismatic Mr. Yeager, who wonderful led the excellent six-piece band (appropriately and playfully named “Euphonic Gumbo”), who in turn provided Ms. Benko swinging musical accompaniment song after song.

RECOMMENDED

JULIE BENKO
Cabaret
Birdland Jazz Club
Approximately 1 hour (without an intermission)
Closed