Press

Full Review Links:

Laura Freeman - Something Cool Review

Sound of Julie Review - Jeff Rossen, Gay Chicago

Monday Night Live at Petterino's - Carla Gordon, Cabaret Scenes

New Drury Lane: Night Life is a Cabaret - Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune

Girls Like Us: Barbra, Bette & Bernadette - Carla Gordon, Cabaret Scenes


Quotes:

Laura Freeman adds a fresh new talented sound to our Midwest Ballroom radio show on WDCB.  Her album "Something Cool” includes many heartfelt songs and covers of tunes from the Great American Songbook.  Her back up musicians are quality players. When Laura sings, she sounds like she is individually speaking to her listeners and personally presenting the lyrics to all the songs to them.  This is a great produced CD!  

John "Radio" Russell. Midwest Ballroom Saturdays 5-7 P.M. 90.9 FM in Chicago and wdcb.org worldwide. 

We have presented Laura Freeman a number of times and look forward to presenting her again.  She has a killer voice, a sparkling personality, and can really interpret a lyric.  When Laura sings, you feel every emotion she conveys, and that is art.

David Fink - Co-owner - Acorn Theater in Three Oaks, MI

Songbirds Laura Freeman and Heather Moran put the “P” in perky in a lively duo show with the intriguing title Blonde on Blonde. Here the “on blonde” means reflections on noteworthy blondes and on being blonde itself. Moran has fun gloating through “Popular” from Wicked and Freeman cavorts, slithers and lands the jokes well in “He Vas My Boyfriend” from Young Frankenstein. While the opening dialogue in which each singer gushes over the other seems somewhat indulgent, the dialogue in which each tells how being blonde helps her feel more confident and self-assured was genuine and engaging. That dialogue gives the show its heart. “Ribbons Down My Back” (Hello, Dolly!) is a lovely choice in this context and Moran delivers its thoughts about hope and well. Musical Director Beckie Menzie joined the ladies to perform a bouncy jazz medley and also “At the Ballet” from A Chorus Line. The presentation is especially moving, the reason is not only the elegant harmonies, but the three voices make the story more universal and approachable. Yes, along with these three fine singers, all of us find or seek the outlet to help us overcome the pain of disappointments and betrayals. The encore, which pairs Irving Berlin’s “Sisters” with “Miss Celie’s Blues” (from The Color Purple) was particularly effective. The ladies were sitting, and sang from a quiet, true emotional place.

Carla Gordon
Cabaret Scenes
March 19, 2011

www.cabaretscenes.org

"The songs of Jerry Herman provided fine fodder for a summer afternoon's delight at the Chicago Cultural Center, particularly when Laura Freeman took to the stage, delivering a sublimely character driven "Look What's Happened To Mabel" and teaming with showmate Bradford Newquist for a pair of heart stopping duets, "I Won't Send Roses" and "Time Heals Everything." - Jeff Rossen, Gay Chicago Magazine Dec. 2006

Laura Freeman’s Sentimental Journey: The Music of Doris Day is a grand matching of performer and honoree. Both Freeman and Day are, well, perky and sing like canaries. Day’s repertoire covers Broadway to movie music to the Big Band sound and so does the animated Freeman’s. Highlights included Day signature tunes such as “Sentimental Journey” and “Secret Love.” Like Day, Freeman connects fully to lyrics. There’s a feisty edge to “Love Me or Leave Me, “ creating an effective contrast to most of Day’s otherwise rosy repertoire. Freeman shares just enough biographical patter about Day for us to connect with Doris Mary Anne von Kappelhoff, revealing how Day’s transition from band singer to Hollywood legend was serendipitous. Day made thirty-nine films, singing in most of them. Freeman’s segment about Day singing “My Buddy” in tribute to co-star Rock Hudson is dear.

Like Day, she knows how to make us laugh. In her hands, “A Guy Is a Guy” is saucy and sassy and chock full of delicious double entendre. Freeman’s original parody to “Que Sera, Sera” about the eighty-something Day’s continued coverage by the tabloids is a hoot and a halt. - Carla Gordon, Cabaret Scenes Magazine May 2009

"Of course, Laura Freeman has a lovely voice. But so do many cabaret singers. What sets Laura apart from the rest of the cabaret pack is a remarkable ability to communicate character through singing. Freeman becomes the character reflected in the song. It shines in her face, in her voice, and above all, in her heart. Whether the character is an overworked secretary or a bird in flight, Freeman lets us in and we savor the truthful, personal connection that is so essential in cabaret." -  Carla Gordon, Midwest Reporter - Cabaret Scenes Magazine

“Freeman was astounding.” – Jeff Rossen, Cabaret Scenes

“Laura Freeman’s “I Don’t Know How To Love Him” was sexually charged.” – Terry Armour, Chicago Tribune 

“Freeman is a triple threat and can act, sing and dance…Freeman’s confidence and ability are evident.” – Carolyn Stewart-Magruder

“Freeman stands out as the Bakers Wife.” – Joseph Williams, Advocate Reviewer

“Worth the price of admission to hear Laura Freeman in the title role sing not only “Meadowlark” but also “Gifts of Love” and “Where Is The Warmth.” – Marcia Fulmer, Elkhart Truth

“Freeman’s rich, fluid soprano is better than ever!” – Marcia Fulmer, Elkhart Truth

“Freeman’s strong characterization is matched by her wonderful voice.” – Frank Ramirez, South Bend Tribune

“The Most memorable moments of this performance of “Kiss Me Kate” are anything sung by Ms. Freeman…Freeman’s rendition of “So In Love” is poignantly touching and direct” – Marcia Fulmer, Elkhart Truth

“Ms. Freeman, a Chicago entertainer, brought a storm of applause with a touching but lung-busting version of “Where The Boys Are…the strongest voice was that of Ms. Freeman.” – Bill Batson, The World-Herald

“Laura Freeman is splendid as the narrator…an outstanding performance.” – Susan Kuhlmann – Metro Monthly

“Her (Freeman) “I’ll Show Him” is an hilariously well executed, comic show-stopper and her strong clear soprano adds much to every number of which she is a part.” – Marcia Fulmer, Elkhart Truth

“Laura Freeman sang the entire narrative with verve and charm.” – Jim Delmont, World-Herald

“Freeman’s vocal style is strong and clear.” – Frank Ramirez, South Bend Tribune

Saw Laura Freeman and Rob Dorn with Beckie Menzie perform The Judy Garland Duets at the Skokie Theatre Music Foundation on Sunday, August 16, 2009. Search "Laura Freeman" on facebook for more information. Rob's tenor was in fine tune. He was equally excellent at whispering as he was belting out his songs. He almost won the "Who channeled Judy!" contest between Laura and he. A close tie in the "Channeling Contest" was Laura, whose soprano was sexy, seductive, silly, serious, scintillating, sultry and spectacular as she met each song with gusto! Laura is equally amazing in whatever approach she chooses to deliver her songs which causes you to "feel" the moment. Beckie is not only an adept accompanist but such an accomplished musician at the piano. While she does not overpower the singers, she is an important integral part to the success of the show and a joy to listen to. Highly recommended!!! - Michael Horvich (http://www.michaelsmuseum.org)

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