James Mulligan and Friends, Sterling’s Upstairs at Vitello’s
In the dark of the intimate cabaret room, James Mulligan made his way to the illuminated stage with a beautiful rendition of William Finn’s “Infinite Joy”. Casually attired, holding his hand mike, he seemed genuinely pleased by the enthusiastic response to his first number. A good opening is important; it helps define your act…and this being Mr. Mulligan’s headlining debut, the choice of material and the entrance was flawless. With an impressive list of leading roles in major musicals running the gamut from “Guys And Dolls” to “Big River”, he understands the vocal and dramatic demands required and applied them to “Lost In The Darkness” (Wildhorn/Bricusse:”Jekyl And Hyde”), “If I Can’t Love Her”(Menken/Rice:” Beauty And The Beast”) and “Sunset Blvd”(Webber/Black).
Having performed the male lead in the Styne/Comden and Green musical:” Bells Are Ringing”, James had fun with a jazzy version of “Just In Time” which included a fine solo piano turn by his musical director Richard Allen. A good part of the act was dedicated to his very special guest, two-time Academy Award-winning composer Richard Sherman of Disney and “Mary Poppins” fame. Sherman came on stage to play and sing “Feed The Birds” (from “Poppins”), preceded by James singing Sherman’s “Hushabye Mountain” one of his daughter’s favorite songs from Disney’s “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”.
Although vocally secure most of the time; physically he appeared uncomfortable except for the few numbers when he held the microphone. The high point of the entire evening involved his other guest, Juliana Hansen, a beautiful girl with a winning personality and gorgeous voice. Her solo rendition of Sherman’s “Lovely, Lonely Man” was exquisite. When Juliana and James joined forces for the powerful duet from” Miss Saigon”: “Last Night Of The World”… the evening really took hold.