Wrapped in Reynolds Rap

Joe Delaney

Friday, Feb. 20, 1998 | 9:02 a.m.

The indomitable Debbie Reynolds had a capacity crowd in her hotel's state-of-the-art showroom Thursday night. They were rewarded with the Best of Debbie Reynolds plus vintage film clips, songs and very funny commentary. Few performers can achieve the one-on-one rapport with an audience that Debbie can and does immediately. Pianist Joey Singer and drummer Gerry Gennario give her all the support she needs to hold them in thrall for the full 90 minutes.

The show opens with film clips from the hit movie, "Mother." Debbie enters singing "It's Good To Be Here," adds a bit of "Get Happy" then chats with the audience. Her 50 years in show business is an impressive accomplishment; she wears it extremely well.

The movie montage, clips from musicals, including a classic dance piece from "Singing In The Rain," generates heavy response. She tells about Branson, Mo., has fun with the stars who now play there, then goes country with talk about Mel Tillis and Willie Nelson, sings a few of Willie's songs nicely, closing with a strong "You Are Always On My Mind."

Clark Gable is memorialized in film and Debbie sings "You Made Me Love You" to him just as Judy Garland once did. There is a hilarious film of outtakes by famous stars. Next come the impressions: Hepburn, Bette Davis, Cher, a Howard Stern quickie and an extended Streisand that is a show-stopper. Singer, the pianist, is center stage for "Rhapsody In Blue." They duet on "I Love a Piano."

Debbie sings "Come Rain Or Come Shine," does a hilarious rap spoof, sings "Tammy" and goes out to sign autographs and pose for pictures. A consummate performer, Debbie is one star who can fill a stage, alone.

JOE DELANEY is a SUN entertainment critic.