Mormon-American princess Steven Fales told me he actually is a member of the cult Church of the Latter Day Saints. In his cabaret show now at New Conservatory, he tells us what it was like growing up gay in highly conservative Utah, while maintaining a devotion to his religion. I will have to say that his intra-song patter about acceptance was a little like preaching to the choir these days, but his singing was wonderful. He describes himself as a “baritenor” and has professional music training. The tenor holds the main part, classically, and a baritone is a lower voice, just above a basso. Steven’s voice commands and dominates, especially when he takes off his shirt.
He sang show tunes, rock and country standards, with a twist, including some of his own compositions. His “Mammas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow up to Be Escorts” parodies the whole gay scene of pretty boys who make more money by being arm-candy than they can at a regular nine-to-five job. “Money! Money! Money! I Wanna Be Rich” is a takeoff from the Broadway hits Mamma Mia and Stop the World. I Want to Get off. He evoked Evita with strains of “Don’t Cry for Me Salt Lake City.” His compositions also wandered into references to Jesus Christ Superstar and Desperado by the Eagles.
Steven’s singing was generally flawless and engaging. His patter was tendentious and no longer relevant in The City. We all know that growing up gay is difficult. This material might be shocking or inspiring to an adolescent in North Dakota, but it has become like a litany of “poor me” by now. Still, Steven’s voice, stage presence and delivery transcend the self-centered pleadings, especially since he denoted one set of songs as “Narcissists Anonymous.” We already got the point, even if some of his personal recollections are poignant, but he is worth listening to as a singer, and the humor in his compositions is clever and incisive.
Mormon American Princess continues through Feb. 24 at New Conservatory Theatre Center, 25 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco. Tickets ($15 to $28) are available by phone at (415) 861-8972 and online at www.nctcsf.org
