“An unpretentious shyness about Kyle Golemba makes his cabaret act one of charm.”

In 2005, as a new graduate from theatre school, performer Kyle Golemba played Gilbert Blythe in the musical ‘Anne of Green Gables’ where he attained his Equity Union status as an actor.

The review from one theatre critic – “Kyle Golemba is handsome but charmless as Gilbert Blythe.”

Why do some people write stuff like this?

During the pandemic, I profiled an artist who told me something she lives by in her career as a stage, television, and film performer:

“Don’t be an asshole. Just don’t.”

Take that to the theatre critic for that inappropriate comment.

Created and performed by Kyle Golemba with Music Direction from his best friend, Adam White, ‘Handsome but Charmless’ not only made me smile but also those sitting around had big ol’ grins on their faces the entire show. In the upstairs Sculthorpe room at Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre, Golemba shares with the audience what his life has been like as a performing artist. He promises to share other reviews his performer friends have received over the years.

Golemba sings terrifically some Broadway tunes from a few shows I haven’t seen yet, highlighting and underscoring several key moments from his life.

And he’s proud and grateful for the gifts he has received in his career. 

At one point in the show, Golemba shares he had a chance to go to New York (supposedly every actor’s dream) when the Stratford Festival’s production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ was transferred.  I saw that particular production, and it was moving.  From what I recall, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber came to Stratford to see the show and said it was what he had envisioned when he wrote it.

Golemba decided not to go to New York when the show transferred. He has no qualms or regrets at all about his decision. (Side Note: from what I can recall, the show didn’t do as well in the Big Apple as it did in Stratford).

Comfortably dressed in a purple t-shirt featuring the Bearda logo (a bearded woman) in honour of Pride month, paired with comfortable-looking jeans and shoes, Golemba showcases his impressive vocal prowess with determination, compassion, and empathy in several moving Broadway musical numbers.  Adam White is also casually dressed in a comfortable-looking jacket, a t-shirt celebrating Pride Month, rolled-up jeans, and dress shoes. He is the quieter of the two and nods in acknowledgement when Golemba mentions something the two have experienced together.

There’s a solid, quiet, mutual respect evident between Golemba and White. Golemba jokes they’ve been making cabaret music for nineteen years and are still friends. Hopefully, Golemba says he’d like to celebrate a twentieth anniversary with White. Golemba jokingly adds that if Port Hope audiences want to see the show, email Rob Kempson, Artistic Director at the Capitol.

What makes this cabaret act one to see?

Golemba’s magnetism. There’s just something about his personality that I wanted to hear every word he spoke and sang.

With a resonating voice in the Sculthorpe, he can certainly hit those high falsetto notes with a confident gusto. Golemba sells songs with sensitivity and class. A few moments later, there’s a glint in his eye and a mischievous smile as he uncovers the wit in a few other musical numbers.

There’s also an unpretentious shyness about Golemba that’s also charming.  He’s a performer and loves what he does. I get the impression when he finishes his work, he’ll come out to say hello to people and is far more appreciative of the audience who came to see his show.

There are only three performances left. It was sold out last night.

Go and see ‘Handsome but Charmless.’

The performance runs until June 8 at Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre, 20 Queen Street. For tickets, capitoltheatre.com or call (905) 885-1071.

CAPITOL THEATRE presents
HANDSOME BUT CHARMLESS
Created and performed by Kyle Golemba
Music Direction: Adam White