Appreciation: Michael Ricca’s ‘What Matters Most’

by Linda Chin

Michael Ricca performed his new one-man show, ‘What Matters Most’at the Central Square Theater in Cambridge from March 6-8.

After a week of Super Tuesday shock and disappointment, working on a grueling but rewarding project, and reports of the increasing number of Coronavirus cases close to home, being a recluse on Friday night was certainly tempting. But seeing singer Michael Ricca perform his new one-man show, What Matters Mostat the Central Square Theater in Cambridge to a packed house was exactly what the doctor ordered to elevate my mood.

In addition to being the co-founder of Titanic Theatre Company, Ricca has an impressive bio – with performances at clubs in NYC and Chicago – so the opportunity to hear him on his home turf was welcome. Ricca has a fine singing voice, an expressive way of storytelling through song, and did an excellent job creating a cabaret show that weaves together an eclectic mix of songs punctuated by charming vignettes of an ordinary yet extraordinary life. What matters most to him – and what everyone in the audience seemed to resonate with – is the power of human connection, and his repertoire made for a delightful evening suitable for both the older and younger set.

Not only does Ricca have a charming and accessible presence on stage, we come to learn that he is a mensch. He values kindness, love and gratitude, and it’s not just lip service. We learn that he visits his mother (presumably in a senior facility) every week, and they sing songs together – (which elicited a spontaneous “Awww”). To paraphrase Maya Angelou: people will forget what you said, what you did, but will never forget how you made them feel. We learn that Michael remembers a sports team event (about 40 years ago) when he was felt humiliated, but was comforted by an older kid, who reassured him in an older brother kind-of-way that things would indeed get better. (They clearly have, and yes, he remembers the person’s name too). What else? Michael believes in protecting children (Sondheim’s “Children Will Listen”) and in the power of family – no matter what the configuration – peace and harmony (a spirited rendition of Cat Stevens’ “Peace Train” with some nice dance moves) as well as selections from Michel Legrand, Burt Bacharach, Duke Ellington and composers across the musical spectrum.  While I won’t divulge his favorite song, I can say that you’ll have to see the show or just ask Michael yourself, but not surprisingly, it is about love.

Ricca ended the show with gratitude, to his teachers and accompanist, Ron Ray, the stage manager, the CST staff and to the audience. I wasn’t part of the work family (day job at Harvard) that made up a big part of the audience that evening, but I definitely consider myself a member of his fan family.