Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – The fabulous Liz and Ann Hampton Callaway return to 54 Below with a crowd-pleasing “highlights” show

• By drediman
• November 26, 2022
• No Comments

On Thanksgiving Eve, I attended the latest nightclub act from cabaret circuit favorites Liz Callaway and Ann Hampton Callaway, who have settled into 54 Below for a weeklong holiday run. Entitled As Long as We’re Together!, the show is a fabulously exuberant “highlights” compilation of material from their crowd-pleasing sister act shows (e.g., Sibling Revelry, Boom!, Broadway the Calla-way!).

The well-balanced evening has been curated to appease fans of both the Broadway and pop songbooks. The show’s pop highlights included Ann Hampton’s sensitive yet soaring rendition Joni Mitchell’s timeless “Both Sides Now” and a rousing Stevie Wonder medley for both singers. In terms of musical theater, the act focused on the songs by the late, great Stephen Sondheim, namely Liz’s gorgeously unadorned versions of “I Remember” and “Take Me to the World” from Evening Primrose, as well as a stirring duet arrangement of “Our Time” from Merrily We Roll Along. Throughout, the beloved and hugely talented duo was supported by a lively trio led by music director Alex Rybeck on piano.

There’s no getting around the fact that the Callaway sisters are a class act. Each has a distinct instrument – Liz’s clear, clarion belt (which is ideal for Broadway musicals) is well matched with Ann’s velvety amber voice and proclivity towards jazz. Both, however, possess perfect tone, so when they harmonize, the sound that fills the room is pure magic. As always, their banter is endearing — both playfully competitive yet filled with loving respect for each other as sisters and artists.

RECOMMENDED

LIZ CALLAWAY & ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY: AS LONG AS WE’RE TOGETHER!
Cabaret
54 Below
1 hour, 15 minutes (without an intermission)
Through November 26