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In the Milwaukee Rep’s season opener in the Stackner Cabaret, the title Songs for Nobodies is a clear and deliberate misnomer. The music celebrates the works of world-renowned performers as sung by ordinary folks or “nobodies.” In this case, the “somebodies” are Judy Garland, Patsy Cline, Edith Piaf, Billie Holiday and Maria Callas. All five “nobodies” are beautifully acted and performed by one actor in a career-defining performance—Bethany Thomas.
Toward the end of the 95-minute one-woman show, one of the “nobodies” asks, “Who would I be if I were somebody?” The answer is: they are all “somebodies” given the mesmerizing vocals and acting prowess of Thomas. Joanna Murray-Smith’s book cleverly intersperses dialogue in between snippets of songs, keeping the storyline moving and engaging under the thoughtful direction by Laura Braza. But it is clearly Thomas’ interpretation of the music that commands the stage and holds the audience’s attention throughout.
Some of the character segments work better than others; in particular, the poignant yet funny story of an older English schoolteacher whose very life depended on Edith Piaf’s work in stealthy resistance to the Third Reich (no spoilers here; see it for yourself). It is funny and hard hitting at the same time. And her version of the Little Sparrow’s anthemic “Non, Je ne Regrette Rien” underscores the fierceness and determination of Thomas’ performance.
Most haunting is her interpretation of Billie Holiday, in which she eerily recreates the singer’s vulnerable, timeworn vocals, be it “Lady Sings the Blues” or “Ain’t Nobody’s Business If I Do.” And given the audience’s enthusiastic response throughout, it was the stirring rendition of “Strange Fruit” about the lynching of African-American men that left the everyone silent and in awe at song’s end. Truly a testament that “anybody” can be “somebody” and remain so for all time.
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Through Nov. 4 at Stackner Cabaret, 108 E. Wells St. For tickets call 414-224-9490 or visit: www.MilwaukeeRep.com
