Craig Rubano

CRAIG RUBANO AT HELEN'S HIDEAWAY ROOM Send This Review to a Friend

Personable singer Craig Rubano has the kind of glorious, robust voice that enables him to give a classical touch to virtually everything he sings, and yet he manages to maintain a friendly intimacy with his audience. Rubano’s vocal prowess is on display in his (February 3-March 27) stint in The Hideaway Room at Helen’s Supper Club, 169 Eighth Avenue (at 19th Street).

Rubano’s good looks and self-assuredness add to the overall effectiveness of his cabaret act, titled “Change Partners: Life’s a Dance,” and Alex Rybeck’s work at the piano provides the right teamwork. The songs chosen carry out the theme of romance, and the patter between numbers adds to the valentine-like charm the singer evokes.

He thrives on such numbers as “Come Dance with Me,” “You and the Night and the Music,” “Change Partners,” “Everything Is Possible,” “Life’s a Dance,” and others in the romantic vein. He can also avoid being syrupy even while ending his program with the risky “My Prayer,” a sentimental number that he uses very well as a farewell to the evening.

There are moments that particularly thrill, thanks to the considerable pleasure one derives from listening to his exhilarating voice. In short, Rubano earns status as top-notch cabaret star. For reservations: 212-206-0609.

Rubano also has a new CD titled “Change Partners,” obviously well timed to his current appearance. It is released by Prosody Records.