"Jekyll" Star Is a 'Hero' In Cabaret

By PATRICIA O'HAIRE Daily News Staff Writer

Robert Cuccioli may have led two lives while appearing on Broadway in "Jekyll & Hyde," but he's cast off those lives and started a new one — as cabaret singer.   Big deal, you say with a shrug?   Just another guy with a good voice rummaging through the Cole Porter or Stephen Sondheim or Rodgers and Hart songbooks, looking for something that hasn't been done to death?    Don't be too sure. Robert Cuccioli has the voice, the looks and the stage presence to be a real 'Hero.'   Yes, he has a good voice, and yes, he has a nice stage presence, but his act is far from ordinary.   He spent a lot of time putting it together — and it shows.   It's full of energy, and best of all, it has a point of view.   He calls the act "Hero," and he sings and talks of the people he admired while growing up.   Instead of reaching for "The Impossible Dream" from "Man of La Mancha," as so many singers do, he started off one recent night with the lovely but often-overlooked title number.    Then he sang "C'est Moi" from "Camelot," did an Elvis impersonation with "Love Me Tender" and offered a tribute to those he called his "fallen heroes" with "Imagine," "Abraham, Martin and John" and "Blowin' in the Wind."   Incidentally, Arci's,  where he's performing, is a handsome restaurant with a tasty menu.  

Cuccioli will be there through April 29, with shows Tuesdays through Thursdays at 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30 and 11 p.m.   It's at 450 Park Ave. S., at 30th St. There's a $25 cover charge and $15 minimum for all performances.   For more information, call (212) 532-4370.  

Original Publication Date: 04/14/2000