SUSAN NEUFFER 

INSTANT KARMA 
At Mama Rose’s

Like a promise becoming fulfilled, Susan Neuffer has emerged from her cabaret start-ups of a few years ago, then unsure and tentative, to take center stage today with confidence and imagination. Her show, Instant Karma, draws on songs of the 70s, a period marked by political and social issues – many relevant again now. It was a period, too, marked by Susan’s own growing self-awareness. She connects the dots feelingly, singing almost two dozen songs from the era, linked by period sound bites as well as comments that leave little doubt about her personal point of view. Writers include John Lennon, Paul Simon, Jimmy Webb, James Taylor, Robert Palmer, Laura Nyro and Carole King. Backing Susan in evocative arrangements are Gerry Dieffenbach, musical director, on piano and vocals; Jackie Fornatale on vocals, and Mike Fornatale on guitar. Adding to the show’s impact are Lennie Watts’ neat direction and J.P. Perreaux’s sensitive lighting.