Doug Anderson

by David Warner

Astute theatergoers might recognize Doug Anderson from the Wilma's 2001 production of Stephen Sondheim's Passion: "I played the only soldier that got laughs."

Habitues of the NYC cabaret scene might know him from his numerous appearances in clubs like Eighty-Eight's, Don't Tell Mama and The Duplex.

But for an increasing number of would-be balladeers, Anderson's most powerful persona is teacher. In classes at the Wilma and Tavern on Camac, Anderson's insightful critiques have helped many aspiring chanteuses and chanteurs release their inner Audra.

I know: I was one of them. Thanks to Anderson and co-teacher Todd Waddington, I was able to stand on the Tavern stage just a few weeks ago and perform "Anyone Can Whistle," spotlight, microphone and all -- thus proving not only that anyone could whistle, but that anyone, including me, could imitate a nightclub singer.

Anderson's no imitation. He has a mellifluous baritone and a sly sense of humor that can go from gentle to raunchy, from candid to sardonic, without missing a beat. He'll put that candor to work in his new one-man show at Odette's in New Hope, a portion of which will be devoted to stories about a Very Famous Composer who shall remain nameless. (Just say that Anderson kept Company with VFC for a while, but Passion was not to be.) "To get involved with your gods is very dangerous," says Anderson of his bittersweet brush with greatness.

But don't worry; it's not all autobiographical. "Nobody cares, unless you're Elaine Stritch, what you've done for the last 15 years," he declares, and promises that the show will be "75 percent funny," including a roster of "miserable songs" he calls his "Prozac medley" and standards by the likes of Sondheim, Noel Coward and Dave Frishberg.

If you, too, want a turn in the spotlight, Anderson's cabaret class resumes at Tavern on Camac on April 7. But if you're too nervous to speak in public, let alone croon, you could always try his website, www.yourvoicecoach.com, which'll introduce you to Anderson's other line of work: He helps people, particularly corporate types, improve their speaking voices, and he does all his coaching over the phone.

Doug Anderson, Sundays, April 6 and 13, 7:30 p.m., $8-$27.50, Odette’s, South River Rd. (Route 32), New Hope, 215-862-3000.