Opus One!

Description

KEVIN WOOD presents either a solo or a group cabaret show ("Songs In the Key of Chicago" highlighting our city's musical heritage). His solo show can be tailored your needs or choose an existing show "“ "Sentimental Journeys: A Cabaret Staycation," "Hartfelt!" - a tribute to Lorenz Hart, "Holidazed!, "Older But Not Much Wiser" or "Time In A Bottle" both shows are a nostalgic look at decades past. Broadway World wrote: "Kevin presents this act without a theme as a series of vignettes, personal observations, and anecdotes, an act reminiscent of those created by the likes of Charles Nelson Reilley, Imogene Coca, and Comden and Green. He is a masterful storyteller"¦" Cabaret Scenes wrote: "Wood plumbs both the anthemic nature of songs and the emotions that are personal to him" and "Kevin is engaging as he takes us along on his musical journeys." and the final word from Steve Ross (King of Cabaret, NYC) "(Kevin) delivered the goods on every known level - a beautiful strong voice, a disarming manner that endeared you immediately to the audience, wonderful special material which he acted and performed to brilliant comic effect, masterful interweaving of the songs with his OWN story and ultimately a truthful musical communication."

Work Sample

"Orange Colored Sky" recorded at The Skokie Theater, February 2021 as part of an online Valentine's concert which I produced, directed and performed in for the theater.

Live performance at Don't Tell Mama (NYC) with the late Rick Jensen at the keys. Rather than lecture an audience I use songs in a different way to make my point. For example, this song isn't about "green" as a color in my show, it's about being the outcast, the person never picked for a team, etc. My patter during the show sets this up without being too obvious.

I incorporate quite a bit of comedy in my shows. This clip is from a different holiday show also at Don't Tell Mama (NYC). I use props/costumes sparingly in my shows but this one just screamed out for a custom hat! Yes, I travel with the hat during the holidays!

My repertoire selections cover a wide variety of song types, many of which I reimagine in a new way either through changing the tempo, style or focusing on the lyrics. Many people have never really listened to the lyrics of the songs that I present and are blown away to discover that there is a real story there.

History

My background is in opera and musical theater but as I worked as a full-time church musician and as a part-time voice teacher/accompanist I needed a performing outlet where I was in control of rehearsals and performing dates to accommodate my work schedule. I discovered cabaret/story-telling and have never looked back!

Artistic Vision

Providing quality story-telling through the lyrics of a wide variety of song genres. Stories that entertain, challenge my audience's hearts and minds as well as uplift and, if necessary, offer comfort and hope.

Programs for Specific Audience(s) Expertise

One of my target audiences is care centers. It amazes me to watch the guests come alive and mouth the words along with a lot of the songs. Obviously I tailor the show to this audience but the smiles and great to see. I also produce a group show, "Songs In the Key of Chicago" that celebrates composers, lyricists and performers with a tie to Chicago's rich history. I use singers that specialize in the types of music that we program - jazz, folk, soul, Big Band, whatever styles represent that clients' wishes.