Ten Questions. Ten Answers. And one Big Surprise in the audience …

A Broad Abroad!

8 Decades of Music, Madness, and “Foreign Affairs.” Classy comedic “Femme Fatale,” D’yan Forest brings you her new show, A Broad Abroad to the New York Frigid Festival. The solo show takes you on her adventures, which began in Paris in 1955. Her comedy and songs (sung in French, Italian & German) include anecdotes about her swains throughout Europe including Italy, Austria and Jordan! Not only is she joined by her longtime pianist, Richard Danley, she also accompanies herself with the piano and ukulele. She’s an innovative 81 year old performer. The Daily News says, “She surprises and tantalizes her audiences with her unique style.”

Show  Info:

• Tue Feb 16, 2016 | 5:30PM
• Sun Feb 21, 2016 | 3:30PM
• Fri Feb 26, 2016 | 6:50PM
• Wed Mar 2, 2016 | 5:30PM
• Fri Mar 04, 2016 | 8:30PM

Kraine Theater New York, NY $10/$15

Answers by D’yan Forest
(Performer/Co-writer)

1. Forget the PR version. When you’re talking to your friends, how do you explain this show to them?
D’yan: It’s a fun, sassy, sexy show with stories of my life in Europe accompanied by songs on the ukulele and piano. It’s a very interesting cabaret show.

2. Here’s a scenario: After the show some audience members go have a drink.  What’s the part of the show you hope they’re discussing?
D’yan: I hope they’re talking about what an inspirational show it was.

3. What drives your show – character, theme or plot?
D’yan: My zest for life through my adventures in Europe.

4. In rehearsals, read-thrus, or prior incarnations, what’s the one thing someone said about the show so far that made you (or the team) the most proud?
D’yan: “I hope I can be like you at 81.”

5. If money and resources (and even reality) were no object what is the most lavish, luxurious, pointless prop, costume, effect – anything – that you would spend money on for this show?
D’yan: I’d love to have videos and sets of all the countries I’ve had these wonderful experiences in.

6. What’s the one thing you’re looking forward to regarding the FRIGID Festival itself?
D’yan: I love meeting people connected with the Frigid as they are very creative and fun!

7. Is there a scene, a moment, a gesture … anything at all in the show that you anticipate may get a completely different reaction depending on the audience that night?
D’yan: When I do “Touch-a Touch-a Touch-a Touch Me” from The Rocky Horror Picture Show (my version).

8. What’s your favorite line from the show?
D’yan: “Hey, hey, please come back and finish me!”

9. What’s the last thing you usually do before the beginning of a show?
D’yan: Peek through the curtain and see who’s shown up.

10. You scan the audience and you see a face that stops you dead in your tracks – who is it? And why are you shocked?
D’yan: My manager.

Well, that must be one hell of a manager! Guess the “why” of that question will have to remain a mystery. Hey, maybe we’ll find out in 2017 — since I’m sure a woman like you, D’yan, will pack enough living into the next year to have more than enough material for another FRIGID show next year! If so, be sure to throw in a little bit about that shocking manager of yours. Thanks so much for answering our questions, D’yan!

The rest of you – don’t forget to check out A Broad Abroad!

 -*-*-

Horse Trade Theater Group will present the 10th Annual FRIGID New York Festival at The Kraine Theater (85 East 4^th Street between 2^nd Avenue and Bowery) and UNDER St. Marks (94 St. Marks Place between 1^st Avenue and Avenue A) February 16-March 6. All shows run 60 minutes, or less. Tickets are available for purchase in advance at http://www.horsetrade.info/  

Related Posts:

• All is Fine in Sunny Florida: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Acute…Girl: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Lil’ Women: a rap musical: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Punk Grandpa: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• CLENCHED: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

One of the best things about the Frigid Festival as a whole is how innovative, experimental, unfiltered and uninhibited it is.  But that’s nothing compared to what happens each night, for while the last show of the evening is taking its bows, UNDER St. Marks gears up for its traditional midnight show.  For five years now there’s been no greater testament to the wealth of talent that gathers for the festival than The CANUCK CABARET which is – yes – a Cabaret but also a bawdy playground where talented performers from Canada and parts south (that would be the good ole US of A to you and me) get an opportunity to congregate in that 45 seat theatre we love after all the FRIGID hub-bub of the day is over.  There, performers and audience and anyone who wants to be there, can experience some amazing performances, and in general just have a blast.  The good news?  There are still a few more midnights to go … The Cabaret is still at full tilt and you’re invited!  The bad news?  After a great 5 year run this is the last year for these Canadians so miss this now and you’ll miss it FOREVAH.

To review the show I saw and then tell you that your experience will be the same is kinda pointless – as well as besides the point.  One doesn’t go down those rickety stairs with a playbook – nor would you want to.  It’s the unexpected, the serendipity of specific audience melding with specific performers that make the magic that you experience. Hell, there’s not even a set running time.  Just arrive at midnight and surrender yourself to the river of performance that will flow.

Paul Hutcheson [photo credit: KL Thomas]

Two things are constant however: the bar IS always open and the show IS always hosted by the appealing comedic performer Paul Hutcheson who takes care of warming up the crowd, giving introductions and keeping the whole thing moving. I just wanted to convince him to move to NYC so that we could see more of each other – that’s how much fun Hutcheson is, not only as host but as performer — and if his stand up is to be believed then that’s how much fun he is as a person, period.  I think the New York scene needs a few more Paul Hutchesons.

Sharon Nowlan [photo credit: KL Thomas]

Revving up the crowd and starting things off RIGHT was Sharon Nowlan who did a little burlesque – Canada style. Which – according to me means lights turned down low while she swirled glowing things in the air.  With perfectly placed maple leafs (yes I said “maple leafs”) she charmed not once, but twice and her closing number (almost 2 hours later) was as delightful as her first performance.

Chris Wilson [photo credit: KL Thomas]

Chris Wilson who is from  Toronto got the crowd going with a skit involving a coach taking over a health class for the day. Things get a little twitchy when anonymous questions like “what is love” and other sex-related queries are answered with sports metaphors.

Fay Slift – The Ladybearextraordinaire – was decked out in full tutu, wig and glorious beard. Fay’s first number took the crowd soaring through a pop landscape but later on the audience was on its feet (or at least bouncing in its chair) as Fay raced about in a whole new ensemble – all foam hair and Minnie Mouse hands and perfect “are you gonna stay the night” eyelash batting. Yes, Fay! Yes! We WILL

Matt Panesh – Monkey Poet - was there in all his tall loveliness with that amazing accent pouring out of him.  He gave his background which had a little Liverpool smashed in with a little Manchester and so much more – all I can say is listening to him recite his poetry is something to behold.  I’d seen him all day at the Kraine handing out flyers and was already smitten – seeing him perform did not disappoint.

CJ Sawchyn [photo credit: KL Thomas]

CJ Sawchyn (Steve Nuggett) of the notorious musical sketch company THE SPECIALS, was there doing something so brilliant it’s impossible to describe.  Suffice to say this guy makes Keith Richards look like your grandmother’s canasta partner.

Antonia Lassar (who is one half of the FRIGID show TINA and AMY) was there with her super good friend (and kissing buddy – and ovary smasher)  Artem Yatsunov (director of BASIC HELP). First of all, seeing them together made me understand why they were so sweet together in their 10 THINGS TO KNOW interviews. Ahh! So obvious. Secondly, seeing them together was just great fun – they sang songs while Antonia strummed the ukulele and told a story that involved a trip to the emergency room after an incident involving (yes, you guess it) Antonia’s ovary. Let me say right now – since seeing this show I have sung the phrase “Big dickery” more times than I can count. That’s the way to do it A&A. THAT’S THE WAY TO DO IT.

Jillian Thomas [photo credit: KL Thomas]

Jillian Thomas – originally from Canada but recently moved to NYC after marrying a man who heckled her – not only did some great stand up that illustrated her comedic chops, but she told even MORE stories about host Paul Hutcheson involving a live sex show that made me envy her a little more.

Una Osato, a performer I’ve enjoyed for her work in prior FRIGID shows (notably JapJAP) didn’t disappoint as she took to the stage in a giant Orca costume and swam to that Free Willy song slowly shedding her costume until she was in all

Una Osato [photo credit: KL Thomas]

her glory – save for pasties and a thong –  celebrating her sweet parts, even those that jiggled – and as the audience cheered and urged her on she jumped high into the sky (or as high as the basement ceiling of USM will allow) and let those babies (or do I mean boobies?) fly free.

Rebecca Parry [photo credit: KL Thomas]

Rebecca Parry of the Frigid show Confessions of a Redheaded Coffeeshop Girl was there too – wooing the crowd with some songs from Suzy Snowflake Entertains The Troops and her red hair and red dress and red-hot number proved that this firecracker from Canada is more than just a pretty shade of claret – she went down as smooth as a fine burgundy.

By the time Paul Hutcheson and Sharon Nowlan were back to do one final closing number that involved fans and flutters and a Pink ballad I was all teary eyed for this Cabaret. In a city that never sleeps this show comes on at prime time. So take the next few available midnights and spend them at UNDER St. Marks where you’ll be treated like an old friend. Do it before they’re gone forever.

~~~
THE CANUCK CABARET
Hosted by: comedic performer Paul Hutcheson

Remaining Performances:
Mar 06, 12:00AM
Mar 07, 12:00AM
Mar 08, 12:00AM

Running time: 1 h 0 min
Price: $5.00

Seating: General Admission

UNDER St Marks
94 St Marks Place
New York , New York 10009
1st Ave and Ave A
2nd and 3rd Ave

Horse Trade Theater Group will present the 8th Annual FRIGID New York Festival at The Kraine Theater (85 East 4^th Street between 2^nd Avenue and Bowery) and UNDER St. Marks (94 St. Marks Place between 1^st Avenue and Avenue A) February 19-March 9. Tickets are available for purchase in advance at www.FRIGIDnewyork.info or by calling 212-868-4444. 

Related Posts:

• THE CANUCK CABARET: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2014 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Tina And Amy: Last Night In Paradise (2014 Frigid New York Festival)
• Almost A Genius (2014 Frigid New York Festival)
• Get STUPEFIED By Paul Hutcheson
• Dandy Darkly’s Trigger Happy!: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

Ten Questions. Ten Answers. And One Big Decision: Rock, Paper, Or Scissors?

Horse Trade/Wog Productions
Naughty & Nice

THE CANUCK CABARET

Since 2010, a group of Canadians, led by comedic performer Paul Hutcheson, have been crossing the border to entertain audiences at late-night cabaret shows as part of the FRIGID New York Festival presented by Horse Trade Theater Group. After shows in 2014, the show will have been produced over forty times and has been featured in Time Out NY, MSNBC and The Village Voice.

Show Times:

• 2/22 @ midnight
• 2/26 @ midnight
• 2/27 @ midnight
• 2/28 @ midnight
• 3/01 @ midnight
• 3/05 @ midnight
• 3/06 @ midnight
• 3/07 @ midnight
• 3/08 @ midnight

Answers by Paul Hutcheson
(lead comedic performer)

1. Your tag line is out there on postcards and press releases so we know the PR version of what this play is about.  But when you talk to your family and friends, how do you explain the show to them?

PH: Canuck Cabaret debuted at the Frigid Festival in 2010. It will have been produced over 40 times by the end of Frigid 2014. This is the last year for Canuck Cabaret and we are excited about all the terrific shows! The eclectic Canadian and American talent we have assembled will surprise and thrill audiences for nine performances.

2. Here’s a scenario: After the show some audience members go have a drink.  What’s the part of the show you hope they’re discussing?

PH: They will be discussing the unique show they just witnessed! Whether is be a funny stand-up, a monologist who challenged them, performance art they are not sure they ‘got’ or a kick ass musical guest…they will be talking.

3. What drives your show – character, theme or plot?

PH: Canuck Cabaret is a Canadian themed showcase of talent! Diversity, humour and pushing the envelope is what drives the show.

4. In rehearsals, read-thrus, or prior incarnations, what’s the one thing someone said about the show so far that made you (or the team) the most proud?

PH: That Canuck Cabaret encapsulates the spirit of an independent theatre festival.

5. Let’s fantasize for a moment. Let’s take the “off-off” off. Imagine this show is on Broadway. Would that change the production itself?

PH: It would give us larger production values, which would be fun. As host, I would want to fly over the audience…

6. Taking that one step further – after paying everyone what they’re worth of course, what is the most lavish, luxurious, pointless thing you would spend money on if there was no constraints?

PH: I would get all performers on the cabaret to fly above the audience. I would also love to literally fly friends, family and performers from all over North America to come see and perform on Canuck Cabaret.

7. Is there a scene, a moment, a gesture … anything at all in the show that you anticipate may get a completely different reaction depending on the audience that night?

PH: The shows are completely different each night. An audience can come to every show and have a different reaction.

8. What’s your favorite line from the show?

PH: We Are Canadian.

9. Is the world of this play sustainable outside a theatre? In other words … do you think people live the way the characters do? Would you want a world where they do?

PH: I would love if the world was a cabaret! Always interesting, challenging, entertaining and above all embracing all talents.

10. You scan the audience and you see a face that stops you dead in your tracks – who is it? And why are you shocked?

PH: Laurie Metcalf. (one of my comedic heroes who lives in NY)

Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH

In the THM virtual Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH which FRIGID Show do you take on? And what do you throw?

CHALLENGES: Canuck Cabaret would take them all on…we love group action.   

THROWS: Rock! 

Well this is fun!  We have a whole bunch of competitors for you!  Let’s line them up and see how it goes.

Here are the shows who have played so far:
Real Dead Ghosts threw ROCK – that’s a DRAW!
Eating My Garbage threw SCISSORS – that’s a WIN!
Steve: A Docu-Musical threw ROCK- that’s a DRAW!
Drag Queen Stole My Dress threw PAPER – that’s a LOSS!
Boogie Of The Apes threw ROCK- that’s a DRAW!
Something Wicked threw SCISSORS – that’s a WIN!
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Gardaí threw ROCK- that’s a DRAW!
My High-Heeled Life: Or, How I Learned to Keep Worrying and Love My Stilettos threw ROCK- that’s a DRAW!
FOR BODY AND LIGHT threw ROCK- that’s a DRAW!
Double Happiness: A Tale of Love, Loss, and One Forever Family threw SCISSORS – that’s a WIN!

So with 10 competitors so far, you’ve got six where you come out equal … three wins and one loss. YOU’RE DOING GREAT! Since you’ve challenged every show, Cabaret, don’t forget to check back to see how you do with every other competitor!

Thanks THE CANUCK CABARET for participating in The Happiest Medium’s FRIGID New York Festival 2014 Q&A. And for playing our game! You’re officially ROCK in any and all challenges.  You may win, you may lose – who knows! This is how it works in the crazy world of the Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH!

For the rest of you don’t forget to check out THE CANUCK CABARET !

~~~ 

  ~~~

Horse Trade Theater Group will present the 8th Annual FRIGID New York Festival at The Kraine Theater (85 East 4^th Street between 2^nd Avenue and Bowery) and UNDER St. Marks (94 St. Marks Place between 1^st Avenue and Avenue A) February 19-March 9. Tickets are available for purchase in advance at www.FRIGIDnewyork.info or by calling 212-868-4444. 

Related Posts:

• Confessions Of A Redheaded Coffeeshop Girl: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2014 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Questions Of The Heart: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2014 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Almost A Genius: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2014 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• The Eyes Of Orbach: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2014 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• A Date For The Evening: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2014 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

 The Mini-Fridge Elevenses*

11 Questions, 11 Answers … ZERO calories, and 100% YUMMY!

 *Elevenses is a snack that is similar to afternoon tea, but eaten in the morning and might consist of some cake or biscuits with a cup of coffee or tea. The name refers to the time of day that it is taken: around 11 am. 

Lord Gregory & Mademoiselle Godin’s

miniXMAS Spectacular!

Written by: Gregory Levine

Xmas. What an awful word, non?! And everything so shabby nowadays. Well, perhaps you’ve been going to the wrong parties… Aristocratic siblings Lord Gregory and Mademoiselle Godin — whose twisted bond of love and jealousy has only grown stronger since the terrible day their zygote split in the womb — cordially invite you to the unseasonable soiree of the year: a splendid Xmas gala showcasing the stars of the 2012 miniFRIDGE, and featuring the marvelous musicians, comedians and performance artist of the Horse Trade family. You will be sadly gauche if you are not in attendance!

Show Times:

• Friday June 29 @ 10pm

Answers by: Producers & Hosts
Gregory Levine and M. Leona Godin
 

 1. Your tag line is featured above, so we know the PR version of what this play is about. But when you talk to your family and friends, how do you explain the show to them?
Gregory & Godin: We’re hosting a showcase cabaret as delusional decadent siblings of centuries gone by.

2. Here’s a scenario: After the show some audience members go have a drink. What’s the part of the show you hope they’re discussing?
Godin: The seamless and hilarious interludes as the glue binding dynamic and well-curated acts.
Gregory:  How handsome and beautiful we were.

3. What drives your show – character, theme or plot?
Gregory & Godin:  As hosts, we have developed characters that entertain thanks to the time we’ve taken to have an implicit and sometimes explicit back story.

4. What’s the one thing someone said about the show so far that made you the most proud?
Gregory & Godin: “Wow, Gregory Levine and M. Leona Godin working together?! That’s brilliant and bound to be gothic!”

5. Let’s fantasize for a moment. Let’s take the “off-off” off. Imagine this show is on Broadway. What would that change about the production itself?
Gregory & Godin:  Bigger wigs!

6. Taking that one step further – after paying everyone what they’re worth of course, what is the most lavish, luxurious, frivolous thing you would spend money on if there was no constraints? (Think of the helicopter in Miss Saigon).
Godin: Absurdly big wigs!
Gregory: And genuine opium in the pipes! Not that we advocate its use. And stay in school, kids.

7. Is there a scene, a moment, anything that gets a completely different reaction depending on the audience that night?
Gregory & Godin:  Well, there is just a hint of inappropriate sibling affection that sometimes takes audiences seconds to appreciate and others deny the innuendos until they burst out laughing helplessly or throw bibles.

8. What’s your favorite line from the show?
Gregory & Godin: Let them eat cake!

9. Is the world of this play sustainable outside a theatre? In other words … do you think people live the way the characters do? Would you want a world where they do?
Gregory & Godin: Yes, we try hard to promote the Eurotrash decadence of centuries past in our day to day lives with much success!

10. You scan the audience and you see a face that stops you dead in your tracks – who is it? And why are you shocked?
Gregory & Godin: Richard Harris. He’s not only alive, and laughing at our show — he’s left some booze for the other audience members!

11. Time for Elevenses! Go to the mini-fridge of your fantasy hotel. What’s your dream 11:00am snack?
Gregory & Godin:  Champagne, fois gras and little cakes!

Thanks, Lord Gregory and Mademoiselle Godin, for having your Elevenses with us here at THM!  We can’t wait to see Lord Gregory & Mademoiselle Godin’s miniXMAS Spectacular!!

If you’d like to catch Lord Gregory & Mademoiselle Godin’s miniXMAS Spectacular! at The Mini-Fridge Festival find out more by clicking this link.

~~~

HORSE TRADE THEATER GROUP IN ASSOCIATION WITH FRIGID NEW YORK PRESENT THE 2012 MINI-FRIDGE

JUNE 28 – JULY 4 @ UNDER ST. MARKS The mini-festival will play at UNDER St. Marks (94 St. Marks Place between 1st Avenue and Avenue A) June 28-July 4. Tickets ($15/$12 students & seniors) are available online  or by calling 212-868-4444. 

Related Posts:

• It’s Time For Mini-Fridge Elevenses With Kill The Band – Mock Bottom Mockumental CD Release Experience!
• It’s Time For Mini-Fridge Elevenses With Bye Bye Bombay!
• It’s Time For Mini-Fridge Elevenses With Bible Burlesque!
• Grab A Snack From The Mini-Fridge
• Outskirts of Eden: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

Vocalist Champagne Pam, the Dog Walking Diva had the audience eating out of her palm last night at Don’t Tell Mama, New York’s legendary cabaret room.  With a song list that ranged from jazz to R&B to original songs, every note was a little drop of love for the clients she so adoringly tends to day after day … the dogs who depend on her, love her unconditionally and occasionally steal her heart.

Backed by a terrific pair of musicians: Donald Rebic on piano, and John Hurley on guitar, Champagne Pam’s voice is given free reign to seduce the audience note by note, song by song with her between-song-patter being kept at enough of a minimum to not turn this into a one-woman-show-with-tunes but rather keep this as it should be – a night of smoky chanteuse numbers that revolve around a theme.

The theme – which this Diva simply reworks to a finer and finer point as each new song is introduced – is, as her moniker might imply, dogs, dogs and more dogs.  Though animal lovers might find a kindred spirit on stage you need not be a member of PETA to find Pam’s tale of tails engaging, charming, alluring and yes, even touching.  Think back to the purity of Jimmy Stewart on the Johnny Carson show reading his poetry dedicated to his dog Beau and you’ll understand the underlying love that drives this show and makes every song a winner.  This is a gal who loves what she does and has allowed each little pooch to help redefine the daily ins and outs of her life.

As for the thing that makes or breaks a good cabaret act – the actual vocals – Pam delivers the goods, and how.  Her voice twists, turns, soars, belts to the rafters and coaxes from behind the sultry corners of her persona, all of it mixing up in a delightful frothy cocktail that had the audience falling in love.   Rebic’s fantastic piano and Hurley’s bluesy guitar are the perfect accessory to Pam’s smoky voice,  taking a back seat and letting her shine center stage.  However there are also moments when the wonderful arrangements and artistry of these musicians transform a song from just a simple ditty into a downright gem.

With old standards such as “Them There Eyes”, “Just In Time”, “Hurts So Bad”, “Tracks of My Tears” mixed in with some songs obviously written for the show, there isn’t a moment when Pam isn’t delighting the crowd.

Though her stint at Don’t Tell Mama is brief, catch this show while you can.  You’ve got one more night to toast with Champagne Pam.

~~~
Don’t Tell Mama

343 West 46th Street, NYC
Champagne Pam is The Dog-Walking Diva

Donald Rebic, piano, and John Hurley, guitar – 3 night run
Thursday – Saturday November 3rd, 4th & 5th *7:30 shows

$20 + 2 drink minimum – CASH ONLY
Click Here to reserve your ticket or make reservations by phone: (212) 757-0788

$5 off for MAC & Cabaret Hotline Online Members
Find out more at www.champagnepam.com

Related Posts:

• Don’t Forget! The Dog Walking Diva At Don’t Tell Mama
• Take A Stroll With The Dog Walking Diva – Champagne Pam Comes To Don’t Tell Mama
• A Broad Abroad!: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• THE CANUCK CABARET (2014 Frigid New York Festival)
• THE CANUCK CABARET: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2014 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

Champagne Pam is The Dog Walking Diva!

Vocalist “Champagne Pam” returns to Don’t Tell Mama’s in her cabaret show  The Dog-Walking Diva. Bubbling with a spectrum of sound from contemporary music to jazz, this show is intended to pop with the cabaret devotee as well as dog lovers everywhere!

Donald Rebic, piano, and John Hurley, guitar – 3 night run

Thursday – Saturday November 3rd, 4th & 5th *7:30 shows

at Legendary Cabaret Room – Don’t Tell Mama – 343 West 46th Street, NYC

$20 + 2 drink minimum – CASH ONLY

Click Here to reserve your ticket or make reservations by phone: (212) 757-0788

$5 off for MAC & Cabaret Hotline Online Members

Find out more at www.champagnepam.com

Related Posts:

• Champagne Pam Is A Fizzy Delight
• Take A Stroll With The Dog Walking Diva – Champagne Pam Comes To Don’t Tell Mama
• A Broad Abroad!: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• THE CANUCK CABARET (2014 Frigid New York Festival)
• THE CANUCK CABARET: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2014 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

It’s easy to point out the obvious – that Bianca Leigh is transgendered, gorgeous and talented.  But what lies beyond the sequins, the lively productions numbers and the hilarious anecdotes which pepper her one-woman show, BUSTED: The Musical is the simply stated – but nevertheless complex – concept that how we see ourselves is not always how other see us.

As Ms. Leigh points out in catchy songs (co-written by a team of talented writers: Jeff Whitty, Taylor Mac and Ellen Maddow, Jeff Domoto, Super Buddha, and Matty Pritchard and Isam Rum, along with William TN Hall, who also serves as musical director) sometimes that chasm between perception and reality can be vast.  Luckily, BUSTED is set around dozens of charismatic characters who are all ready to be thrust into the spotlight via Ms. Leigh’s seemingly endless ability to channel yet another ghost from the 80s.  With lightening speed they make their appearance: aging dungeon mistress, Latin drag queen, tough prison guard, or anyone else Leigh encountered who can lend color and texture to her story.

The action starts way back in 1987, long after the “skinny boy from Jersey” transformed – at least partially – into the preening swan that can rock a plunging neckline.   While working as a dominatrix she finds herself arrested.  It is more set-up than actual crime, however Leigh finds herself being shuttled off to the tombs nonetheless just like all the other convicts awaiting arraignment.  It is there where she meets every color of the rainbow flag, from flamboyant drag queens to men who only claim to be gay in order to avoid the alternative overnight lodgings courtesy of NYPD.

Expected to be treated like a woman Leigh quickly learns that no matter what her outward  appearance – or her heart – makes her, she’s still considered a man and is destined to be treated as one in this horrible place. She waits out the 36 endless hours in the murky cell picking out the watershed moments of her past with as much gusto as her cellmates herald the arrival of their prison-issued baloney sandwiches.

Tim Cusack directs Leigh with an even hand – never allowing a tragic scenario to grow to overly melodramatic but never letting the humor roll away without first coating it in a good healthy sheath of darkness.  This is, after all, a tale of prison and not since Jean Valjean and Javert has there been a musical that so deeply explored the relationship between prisoner and captor.  Okay – well, I may be exaggerating a bit,  but watching Ms. Leigh’s complete and utter surrender to her guard at a moment of total helplessness dropped the room to a hush as we held our breath, felt her humiliation, and ached for her.  To see Leigh use the symbol that marked her transformation – the thing she’d been fighting for – turned against her in an effort to degrade her was more powerful than anything I’d seen in a long time – let alone during a night of cabaret and laughter.  But in that one moment Leigh – like any strong woman – did what the situation called for, knowing that she’d have to put aside whatever made her cringe and simply deal with the emotional fallout later.  Now tell me this isn’t a plot arc worthy of Les Miz.

Most of the cabaret style evening had the gung-ho audience hooting and hollering in admiration and full-on worship of all Leigh’s charms; she knows how to win a room over and hold the crowd in the palm of her hand. Her big, brassy singing voice does much to bring home the songs that are catchy, clever and funny.  Once in a great while a note wandered away from her but it soon found its way home and the forgiving audience was too dazzled to care, embracing these small missteps as part of the complete package.

At the end of the night the evening is anthemic, the mood – uplifting.   “Nothing much happened in that cell,” she concludes … “just enough to change everything“.  And by the end, as we see the journey that took her from one end of the cell to the other, we value our various freedoms a little bit more.  Nothing about life is easy.  Transgendered life – even less.  But if you can hold your head high and come out the other side with your dignity in tact, your sense of self fortified, and the ability to swirl it all into a musical … then you’re golden.

~~~

Busted: The Musical ran Mondays September 26 through October 10 at The Laurie Beechman Theatre (407 W. 42nd St, between Ninth and Tenth Avenues) for a limited run.

Related Posts:

• A Broad Abroad!: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• THE CANUCK CABARET (2014 Frigid New York Festival)
• THE CANUCK CABARET: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2014 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• It’s Time For Mini-Fridge Elevenses With Lord Gregory & Mademoiselle Godin’s miniXMAS Spectacular!
• Champagne Pam Is A Fizzy Delight

Champagne Pam is The Dog Walking Diva!

Vocalist “Champagne Pam” returns to Don’t Tell Mama’s in her cabaret show  The Dog-Walking Diva. Bubbling with a spectrum of sound from contemporary music to jazz, this show is intended to pop with the cabaret devotee as well as dog lovers everywhere!

Donald Rebic, piano, and John Hurley, guitar – 3 night run

Thursday – Saturday November 3rd, 4th & 5th *7:30 shows

at Legendary Cabaret Room – Don’t Tell Mama – 343 West 46th Street, NYC

$20 + 2 drink minimum – CASH ONLY

Click Here to reserve your ticket or make reservations by phone: (212) 757-0788

$5 off for MAC & Cabaret Hotline Online Members

Find out more at www.champagnepam.com

Related Posts:

• Champagne Pam Is A Fizzy Delight
• Don’t Forget! The Dog Walking Diva At Don’t Tell Mama
• A Broad Abroad!: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• THE CANUCK CABARET (2014 Frigid New York Festival)
• THE CANUCK CABARET: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2014 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

You know how to get me to fall in love with your production within the first minute?  Start off with a smooth cocktail made up of one part Lady Gaga and one part Sweeney Todd, mix it up with some hot choreography, garnish the hell out of it with a lavender back light, then have it served up hot and sweet by a trio of beauteous A Capella boys. Then, just keep going.  Walk into Fate, Fury and Musical Theatre: A Kind of Cabaret expecting to be drunk on talent and damn – you’ll get your elixir and more.  Much more.  Written and performed by front-woman Liz Wasser, Fate, Fury is Fabulous, Fun and Fantastic.

So, back to these voices.  These three beautifully blended voices are tethered to the bodies of Michael Hull, Ryan David LaMont and Kennedy Kanagawa, dancing the sleek steps of choreographer  Chanda Calentine.  The trio represent the three Furies – the three who are one (they not only sing in harmony but speak in perfect unison – intonation and all), and they welcome us – The Children of the 8^th day (which is the day AFTER the creator rested).   We are special, because we heard the call and responded.  What a warm greeting, Furies!

Soon to arrive upon the scene is the lady herself: Liz Wasser, and she makes herself known with a roar of talent, not so much “taking” the stage as “commanding” it.  This gal’s got the soul of Aretha and the spirit of Midler – she’s got the pipes AND the three pips, out-Knighting Ms. Gladys herself.  This is one hell of a force to be reckoned with so it make sense that the reckoning will be done by the likes of the mystical Fates and Furies.

Elizabeth Wasser

After blowing you away with her opening number Ms. Wasser takes you on a journey of how this all came to pass, this meeting with the Fates.  Entertaining, clever, and not one bit airbrushed, Wasser’s monologue about being a non-equity grain of sand on the beach of equity actors around her is recognizable to both the actors as well as the non-actors in the audience.  After all, doesn’t it feel like we’re all trying to swim upstream most days?  But as she tells it, it was on one particular harrowing day that Ms. Wasser found herself  all the way back in Long Island – Montauk . . . the end of the line.  Facing her fate, her fury – her future.

The rest of the show is monologues mixed with music – perfectly paced by director Amanda Thompson and energetically devised by musical director Kristin Sgarro. Wasser’s “Poor Unfortunate Soul” number is so fiery, so electric, so powerful, that she literally transcends the small space of the Red Room and gives a performance worthy of Madison Square Garden.

Wasser brilliantly (and I’m talking from experience here) illustrates and encapsulates the relationship between the gay man and the chubby girl – two genres of social outcast bound together by the feeling that they are performing all the time.  She and the Furies then do a fantastic mash up of Fat Bottomed Girls, Baby Got Back and Big Girls You Are Beautiful.  Liz – thank you.

A slightly self-indulgent power ballad “How Do I Get You Alone” sung to pictures of Gary Oldman, Benedict Cumberbatch and a slide show of a few other Englishmen shows off her considerable vocal chops but slightly mis-fires.  Still, this chick is a firecracker and at this point I was so enamored of her that she could have taken three minutes to go down to KGB bar, get a beer, come back up, and I would have applauded her.  Yes, folks, she’s THAT GOOD.

Towards the end, just when I thought there was no more love left to give her Wasser found my secret passion for Hedwig and performed a deeply personal song to the tune of Wicked Little Town.

Finally, she leaves us with this last thought – despite everything it’s just you, but for this one hour, you’re not alone.  So if all we have is our own voice . . . we might as well sing.

Liz Wasser and Furies – please don’t ever stop.

~~~

Related Posts:

• FRIGID Hangovers – I’ll Have Another Round! (FRIGID New York 2011)
• A Broad Abroad!: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• THE CANUCK CABARET (2014 Frigid New York Festival)
• THE CANUCK CABARET: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2014 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• It’s Time For Mini-Fridge Elevenses With Lord Gregory & Mademoiselle Godin’s miniXMAS Spectacular!

When I was a child there were a few things you could count on, and one of them was that (in the days before VCRs – and yes, honey, I AM that old) if you waited long enough The Wizard of Oz was going to be on TV at some point that year.  Back in the day, TV had that kind of power . . . it could make you wait expectantly for something and then give you the big reveal – making your heart beat faster for that one joyful night.

Seeing Friends Of Dorothy – An Oz Cabaret was a little bit like that and . . . I have a feeling that – just like the hallowed movie – we haven’t seen the last of it.  Dorothy is a Fringe Encore if I ever saw one.  So, while the show has packed up its rigging and its pasties, sit tight.  Here’s a little breakdown of what will certainly come around again:

“Toto,” Dorothy (Rita MenWeep a.k.a Jessica Silver) says to her iPod – crammed with play lists of the band famous for songs like “Africa” . . . “I don’t think we’re in Starbucks anymore!” Poor Dorothy, she got swept away, not in a huge Twister big enough to carry away a house, but rather in a tiny, tidy-bowl sized twister that swirled her through the toilet that she was doomed to clean, had it not, instead, transported her to this magical Land Of Bras.  But Poof!  Just like that the tiny twister took this sister away from her minimum wage job and into the glittery world of burlesque.

First on the scene to welcome her is Glinda (Miss Mary Cyn)  who is swathed in a puff of stuff  . . . but not for long.  Seems clothes just don’t stay on a gal in this Cool New Land.  Glinda sticks around just long enough to strip off the candy pink confection she arrived in, and to give Dorothy some good advice.  Seems the Wicked Bitch of the West (Bianca Del Rio) is looking for the Ruby Pasties (which somehow made their way onto Dorothy’s  . . . dainties) and if Dorothy knows what’s good for her she’ll  . . .well, you know the story.

Soon Dorothy is carried off to dreamland courtesy of a Munchkin (Veruca Honeyscotch) who then dances on the Aerial Silks to a driving Annie Lennox tune.  Sweet Dreams indeed!  Ending with a death defying drop that had the audience gasping in unison as if on cue, this is one Munchkin who knows how to represent – more than just The Lollipop Guild.

So, as Dorothy moves through this strange but exciting land it’s the usual gang of suspects – Scarecrow (Jenny C’est Quoi) does a fun striptease from atop her perch amid the corn, Tin Man (Schäffer The Darklord) entertains with a foul mouth and a nasty attitude (“I am the Tinman . . . who the hell are you?”) by breaking it down for us via a 100mph rap that – if you can follow it – does a great job of  telling the Tale of Dorothy Gale.  And of course there’s The Cowardly Lion (Sizzle Dizzle) who removes her clothes to the A-Team Theme Song.  Cute.  It’s right about at this point in the show that Gypsy’s “You Gotta Get A Gimmick” popped into my head (Once I was a Schleppa, Now I’m Miss Mazzeppa . . .) and I thought “Wow, this is SOME gimmick!”

The Wicked Bitch does her best to strut and sneer and vamp delightfully, when she’s not introducing the next act.  I mean, summoning her minions.  Flying monkeys (Harvest Moon and Mr.  Fantastic) doing a beautiful routine on the static trapeze and more stripping – courtesy of The Wizard -but not really the Wizard (Ambrose) himself round out much of the middle.

When the gang manages to thwart The Wicked Bitch – not with a pail of water but with something much more frightening to a carefully made-up drag queen – there is rejoicing all over the land, including the joyful Gate Keeper (Go-Go Harder) who does a neat little strip of his own.

In the end, Dorothy realizes that she never wanted to go home anyway, The Land of Bras is where she wants to be . . . and as she strips down to her magical Ruby Red Pasties it’s clear that she’s where she belongs.

Fun from start to finish, with just the right mix of kitch, drag, burlesque, circus, and glam this is one wild ride over the rainbow that doesn’t disappoint.  Keep an eye out, this one will be twisting its way back into town again soon – count on it.

~~~

Friends of Dorothy: An Oz Cabaret
Conatus Productions
Writer: Rita MenWeep, Scot Marshall
Director: Megan Doss

www.conatusproductions.com
VENUE #7: The Ellen Stewart Theatre @ LA MAMA

Related Posts:

• Wasabassco Extravaganza: Better Than Promised … Night One
• Wasabassco Burlesque – Celebrating Seven Years And Still Going Strong
• Burlesque Blitz – The Strip Down Before The Count Down
• “It’s A Wonderful Day To Be A Woman!” In Jurassic Parq (Fringe Festival 2010)
• A Broad Abroad!: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)