Barbra, Cher, Eartha and Judy in a one-man show

Cabaret, in recent years, has often seemed to be little more than a genre for the preservation of the Great American Songbook, with a few similarly styled contemporary numbers thrown in for good measure. Nothing wrong with that, of course, given that the songs of Gershwin, Kern, Porter, Rodgers & Hart et al are among the creative treasures of American culture.

But cabaret has a broader history, one with an important place for performers such as Jimmy James, who opened a two-week run at Feinstein’s at the Cinegrill on Tuesday night.

James is an impressionist-impersonator, perhaps best known for his numerous performances as Marilyn Monroe. He referenced what he described as his “Monroe years” via a fascinating video projection, displaying his appearances everywhere from television shows to a giant clothing-ad billboard in Times Square.

But what made James’ impressions unique in this show was his avoidance of costume changes and makeup, relying instead on the chameleonic qualities of his voice. Although he employed gestures, dance steps and an occasional wig, it was his uncanny ability to reproduce the subtleties of timbre, phrasing and emphasis that made his simulations so convincing.

He enhanced his impression of Cher with a spot-on rendering of Sonny. For Eartha Kitt, he captured every nuance of her dark tone and quavery vibrato. Katharine Hepburn was portrayed, remarkably, at three different points in her career.

Equally effective with such familiar targets as Judy Garland, Bette Davis and Barbra Streisand, James added more unusual choices such as Norah Jones, Macy Gray and Janis Joplin. With each he found the heart of their style and sound, doing so with good humor, understanding and an innate affection.

*

Jimmy James

Where: Feinstein’s at the Cinegrill, Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood

When: Tuesdays-

Thursdays, 8:30 p.m.; Fridays-Saturdays, 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Through Nov. 1.

Price: $35

Info: (310) 271-9039