Theater Review : An Uneven Evening With ‘Jacques Brel’

The seminal cabaret-as-theatre work--”Jacques Brel Is Alive & Well & Living in Paris”--which opened Saturday at the Cinegrill, seems perfectly suited, in size and manner, for the venue’s small circular stage, and the company of Susan Hull, Jeff McCarthy, Teri Ralston and Jeffrey Rockwell does a generally convincing job with Brel’s not always convincing lyrics.

At their best, the songs range from the well-remembered (in part because of Judy Collins’ recordings) “Sons Of,” “Marieke” and “Carousel (La Valse a Mille Temps)” to less familiar set pieces such as “Jackie,” “The Bulls,” the sardonic “I Loved” and the climactic “If We Only Have Love.” Not all memorable, and not all deserving of the exalted status often accorded this work. But there’s enough substance in many of the Brel songs--despite the sappy sentiments of some of his words (via the Eric Blau/Mort Shuman translation)--to provide good singers with the chance to make something happen.

When Jeff McCarthy was singing, something good usually happened. His raucous, Art Carney-inspired rendering of “Jackie” was the number that brought the show, half-way through the first act, roaring to life, and his satirical reading of “Funeral Tango” precisely captured the song.

Teri Ralston, who co-directed (with Lara Teeter), and who appeared in the original 1968 Village Gate version, was less effective. Given the opportunity to perform Brel’s big tunes, she was surprisingly detached, doing all the right things technically, but never quite connecting with the inner emotional essence of the songs.

Jeffrey Rockwell also seemed a bit stiff until his persuasive approaches to “Fannette” and “Next” revealed an interpretive skill that had not been apparent earlier in the show.

Poor Susan Hull, a fine young talent, spent most of the evening watching Ralston dominate the headline numbers. On the few songs in which she had the chance to step forward--especially “Timid Friends” and “My Childhood”--she sounded like a singer with a bright future.

The Teri Ralston/Cinegrill production was brisk and minimal, with a resourceful use of the Cinegrill’s entire room. Choreography, by Teeter and Mark Knowles, was also sparse, supporting the songs with a few simple dance steps. Scott Harlin led the four musicians accompanying group.

* “Jacques Brel Is Alive & Well & Living in Paris,” Cinegrill, Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd. Thursdays-Fridays, 8:30 p.m.; this Saturday at 7 p.m., future Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays, 5 p.m. Ends May 29. $18-$20; no drink minimum. (213) 466-7000. Running time: 2 hours.