CABARET REVIEW : Ellen Greene Sings Peter Allen at Cinegrill

Ellen Greene opened her five-night run at the Cinegrill on Tuesday with a full program of Peter Allen songs. The choice, from a New York singer who was one of Allen’s earliest advocates and greatest admirers, was understandable.

But the repertoire--even as it was performed by Allen in his own vigorous, colorfully produced appearances--has limited potential, both lyrically and, especially, musically.

There were moments when Greene’s carefully cultivated persona of a carrot-topped waif with a Sophie Tucker voice blended perfectly with the songs, notably on “Tenterfield Saddler,” “Continental American,” the now-classic “Love Don’t Need a Reason” and, surprisingly, “I Honestly Love You.”

Unfortunately, even her better readings were marred by a persistent tendency toward overblown, emotion-drenched, Michael Bolton-like climaxes that shattered the interior atmosphere called for by much of the Allen material.

Like many musical comedy performers, Greene (best known for her stage and screen appearances in “The Little Shop of Horrors” and, more recently, in “David’s Mother” at the Pasadena Playhouse), didn’t seem to grasp the differences between theater and cabaret presentation.

Too often, her emotional intensity and her physical mannerisms were more appropriate for reaching the last rows of a theater balcony than establishing the intimate connections required by the confines of a small nightclub.

Greene, who was accompanied by a five-piece ensemble, continues at the Cinegrill at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel through Saturday.

* “The Peter Allen Songbook,” the Cinegrill, Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Thursday, 9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 8:30 & 10:30 p.m. Ends Sat. $15-$18; (213) 466-7000. Running time: 1 hour, 30 minutes.