"BARBARA McCARTHY knows her Gershwin. In her new show at Danny’s Skylight Room, “By George” - Songs of George Gershwin, she combines 20 songs with amusing anecdotes and history from the life of the musical genius. Included in her repertoire are all-time favorites, such as “Funny Face,” “S’Wonderful,” “I Got Rhythm,” “They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” and “Embraceable You.” She does a smattering of many and effortlessly slips into a variety of styles with her smooth, controlled tones. But when she performs a full song like “How Long Has This Been Going On?” or “Someone To Watch Over Me,” then you get the opportunity to savor the depth and range of this talented lady’s voice. McCarthy and Gershwin, accompanied by some impressive piano playing by Regan Ryzuk, make a pleasing partnership."
Laurie Lawson, ElectronicLink.com
"McCarthy... presents a classic cabaret show...
Shifting gears effortlessly to introspection, and adding a country lilt, McCarthy sang “Dreaming,” the first of three extraordinary songs by the contemporary cabaret singer Amanda McBroom that are the crowning jewels of her show, following it with “I Dreamed a Dream” from “Les Miserables.” On the latter, she displayed the high, soprano end of her range, singing with a bright clarity akin to that of the veteran Broadway and cabaret star Barbara Cook”...
...McCarthy’s exquisitely nuanced delivery of McBroom’s “Ship in a Bottle,” a lovely, meditative song about the delicacy and evanescence of relationships.
Not even Stephen Sondheim’s brittle, psychologically savvy sophistication and soaring melodies, in a following well-chosen medley, could top the heart-felt epiphanies of McBroom’s song. It took the delicious homicidal élan of Rodgers & Hart’s “To Keep My Love Alive” to dispel its mood.
“Here’s to the Ladies” is a well-conceived cabaret show done by a performer who can handle the varied vocal and dramatic demands of the material. The finale, ”It Might As Well Be Spring,” was done with just the right degree of sentiment to add a charming final grace note..."
Singer and Spot Combine for Classic Cabaret
by George Kanzler
The Star Ledger
"BY GEORGE, it's Barbara McCarthy's cabaret show at Danny's Skylight Room. McCarthy, a lissome blonde, presented George Gershwin favorites like "Embraceable You" and the last song Gershwin composed, "Our Love Is Here to Stay". Like a cabaret Julie Andrews, McCarthy projected an air of refinement and sociability through a bright soprano tone.
Accompanied by pianist/composer Regan Ryzuk, her bio patter neatly moved the show along. Mentioning that Gershwin went to parties mainly to play his own music, McCarthy delivered a slow, dreamy "S'Wonderful". She approached her songs with an elegant flair; for example, a flirtatious, not steamy, "Do It Again", and "Vodka", light, rather than straight up..."
Elizabeth Ahlfors, Cabaret Scenes
"Barbara McCarthy's new show at Danny's Skylight Room forms an intriguing mix of tunes around the theme of Where Is Love?... graceful and poised...with "Makin' Whoopee" McCarthy seems to be having fun and therefore, so does her audience.
Barbara McCarthy's clear vocal tone and refined presentation is effective with the contained poignancy of songs like "She's Leaving Home" (Lennon and McCartney). John Prine's "Hello in There", speaking to the loneliness of old age and Amanda McBroom's "Portrait", are also delivered with sincerity..."
Review of "Where is Love?"
Cabaret Scenes
"Barbara performed many of Irving Berlin’s songs. In between songs Barbara shared amusing anecdotes about Irving Berlin’s life with the audience. The room was filled. As I looked around the room during Barbara’s performance I was struck by the number of people tapping their toes, nodding their heads and mouthing the words along with Barbara. It was clear that everyone was enjoying the performance and that the songs were bringing back happy memories. Barbara’s performance was an overwhelming success. The Director contacted me to say that the members were asking when Barbara was coming back!"
Esther Fendrick
Director of Jewish Outreach and Programming
Jewish Community Center of Middlesex County
"Barbara McCarthy is an immense talent who magically transported our audience from a library meeting room to a Manhattan cabaret venue. All were held rapt by her beautiful voice and command of the material to which she brings the perfect blend of enthusiasm and reverence while delivering each note with emotion that cannot be faked. I can't wait to have her back to explore more facets of the Great American Songbook."
Lori-Ann Quinn
Director Waldwick Public Library
"A rich melodious voice"
The [Bergen] Record
"Wonderful!"
The Montclair Times