And you still have time (if you run) to get to their 9:30 p.m. performance, which as of yet, has not sold out.
Nathan and Julie Gunn are indulging their hometown (that’s us, C-U) in a delightful cabaret event for two shows a night through Saturday. The two are a talented unit, bantering with each other and delivering interval speeches filled with personal antecdotes and explanations.
The selection of songs is personal, too, chosen by the pair to reflect their lives and relationship, with “a Revolutionary interval” mostly unrelated to them biographically. Tonight’s program featured a selection of songs both expected and surprising, with the revelation (to me, at least) that a Leonard Cohen song other than “Hallelujah” contains singable notes! There are some beautiful standards and songs that might seem questionable, until Nathan hits a note that sends a shudder down the spine, and you’re reminded that good singing is good, no matter what the vehicle.
Several of those different choices are amusing, showing off the playful side of both vocalist and pianist, one particular medly inspiring Mr. Gunn to dance, albeit briefly. He says there could be more at the later shows, particularly on Saturday.
Maybe he’ll partake of some of the delicious beverages (both soft and not) or tasty snacks for offer, reasonably priced and with table service. A menu card allows you to choose a pre-selected offering, name your own cocktail, or get some nibbles to share. You can settle your bill at the end of the 50-ish minute show, while everyone is milling around, sighing wistfully at the beautiful couple, music, and experience.
Get to the Studio Theatre at the Krannert Center in Urbana before 9:30 p.m. tonight to see the second performance, or put your name on the waiting list for Friday or Saturday, 7:00 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. It’s worth $1/minute, I assure you.