by Audrey Liebross

An edited transcript of an interview with Mr. Rosenblum appears at https://www.cvtworld.com/features-interviews/interview-with-glenn-rosenblum-who-will-host-three-cabarets-at-cvrep

Until this past week I knew very little about Glenn Rosenblum. I saw him in a production of Chess at Coachella Valley Repertory (CVRep) a few years ago, before the pandemic, in which he showed his chops as a fine actor. What I did not know then is how versatile he is; in addition to his great acting skills and lovely singing voice, he is very funny. I found this out when I had the pleasure of interviewing Glenn last week before seeing him in one of the three cabaret shows in which he is appearing this summer at CVRep.

Like many of the theatres in the Coachella Valley, CVRep ends its main season in the spring. However, again like many of the other venues, CVRep presents summer programs, in its case, cabarets.

For those unfamiliar with what a cabaret consists of, the term encompasses various types of entertainment. There can be pure singing, as in a concert, perhaps with a quick introduction for each song. Other cabarets mix comedy with music. Often a guest performer will pop in for a number or two. At Glenn’s cabaret last week, titled Celebrating the Leading Ladies and Gentlemen of Broadway, he sang a few pieces, as did his guest, Broadway veteran Alix Korey, who was accompanied by pianist Michael Reno. For those theatregoers who want to see a performer with one heckuva belt, that’s Ms. Korey, who hit one out of the park with “Everything’s Coming up Roses.”

Glenn’s cabaret was unusual, and I mean that in a positive sense – much of the ninety minutes consisted of an educational analysis of performances by great male and female stars, mostly of yesteryear. He started with a video of the incomparable Elaine Stritch, performing “It’s Today” at the London Palladium. Glenn’s analysis of Ms. Stritch’s performance? She clearly hadn’t attended rehearsals — she didn’t know where to go when dancing with the chorus. One could perhaps question that choice, but she certainly knew instinctively how to move out of the way of the other dancers and to steal the spotlight like the diva she was. The chances were that no one at the Palladium noticed any problems with the performance except the folks on stage, who were undoubtedly trying to avoid a collision with Ms. Stritch.

Glenn pulled his punches even less when talking about the men – he referred to Alfred Drake, one of the great Broadway leading men, as “a bitter old man,” although Glenn acknowledged that Drake could sing, and articulated every word. Fortunately, Glenn likes one of my all-time favorites, John Raitt (Bonnie’s father, for you young folks), who wowed the CVRep audience with his true tenor and amazing falsetto, in a many-years-old rendition of “Soliloquy,” from Carousel. Will there ever really be another Billy Bigelow for us Boomers?

One of my favorite parts of the “lecture” was Glenn’s showing video of five divas performing the soliloquy from Hello Dolly, leading into “Before the Parade Passes By.” He had the audience vote on who did it best. The winner was not Carol Channing, but Pearl Bailey, who played the role in an all-Black version. Her interpretation of at least that one number was extraordinary.

One of the main things I took away from Glenn’s presentation was a point that I plan to use in auditions, specifically that, with top-notch material, there is no need to move – stand in one place and let the music and performance shine. Don’t attempt clumsy moves that are likely to distract.

I have barely scratched the surface of the fascinating analytical material that Glenn Rosenblum presented. I am sure that his other two cabarets this summer will be equally entertaining. I also have tickets to see Brent Barrett, a former Phantom of the Opera, who recently appeared at the McCallum with three other Phantoms. He will appear at CVRep with his husband, Bernie Blanks, later in the summer. (Anyone who has been reading my writing for a while knows that I am an insane Phantom Phan and am still sitting shivah over the show’s Broadway closure).

Celebrating the Leading Ladies and Gentlemen of Broadway was only the second cabaret that I’ve seen at CVRep. However, on the basis of those, I intend to attend others. I’d advise others who are in the area for the summer to take the Phantom’s advice and G-O-O-O-O! I’m sure your time and the price of admission will be well-spent.

CVRep is located at 68-510 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City, California (at the corner of 111 and Cathedral Canyon). From May 7 th through November 1 st , the box office will be open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and one hour prior to performances. You can also order tickets online at https://cvrep.org or by telephone at boxoffice@cvrep.org or by calling 760-296-2966 ext 0.

The rest of CVRep’s cabarets this summer will feature:

Melissa Errico, June 5 & 6, 2024

Glenn Rosenblum, June 12, 2024

Alysha Umphress, June 13, 2024

Leslie Tinnaro, June 19, 2024

Jason Graae, June 20, 2024

Philip Chaffin, June 26, 2024

Ken Page, June 27, 2024

Deven Green & Handsome Ned, July 10, 2024

Broadway Barbara, July 11, 2024

Glenn Rosenblum, July 17, 2024

Brent Barrett & Bernie Blanks, July 18, 2024

Julie & Jana Cardia, July 24, 2024

David Burnham, July 25, 2024