Michael Brill Comedy Show

Starring Michael Brill and others

Presented at Don’t Tell Mama

New York City

Mac Award-Winner Stand-Up Comedian Michael Brill presented a slate of comedians at the NYC cabaret Don’t Tell Mama. Billed as “Gay stand up comic Michael Brill & a line-up of hilarious stand-ups” on the Don’t Tell Mama website, Michael and Vicky, his co-host, did present three other comics as well as a short version of their own act.  It is so difficult to do comedy for just a few people, which was the case on this evening.  Although they valiantly stood outside the club to pull in an audience before the start of the show, it just did not happen.  So they toughed it out and performed for a handful of people.  Wow, and it was a Saturday night!  The recession is killing everyone.

Michael was very funny, but the rest of the cast was not as successful.  Vicky was especially hard to watch.  She just did not connect.  I don’t think with even a thousand drunkards she would connect.  The others were better, but having a small audience caused them to fizzle by the middle of each set.  Only Michael held on to those reins and drove the comedy horse gallantly home.

Either way, I had my two drinks and had a nice time supporting a group of folks trying desperately to do a good performance while facing an economic depression that from the looks of this audience has even attacked an already ailing cabaret scene.

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"Throw It To The Wind"

The Songs of Maltby & Shire

starring Christina Justus and Andrew Gerle

presented at The Laurie Beechman Theatre

New York City

Friday, January 16, 2009

Christina Justus and Andrew Gerle teamed up for a tribute to the songwriting team of Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire at the Laurie Beechman Theatre at the West Bank Cafe in New York City on Friday, January 16th, 2009. "Throw It To The Wind" also featured a four-piece combo playing beautifully the Maltby and Shire tunes.  The show was directed by Steve Bebout with musical direction by Mr. Gerle.

Both Ms. Justus and  Mr. Gerle are talented professionals.  Each in their own right brought much entertainment to this show.  Mr. Gerle is a gifted musician and Ms. Justus is a fine vocalist, however there were faults in the show.  For one, Ms. Justus' wardrome was lacking any sense of style.  A pair of black trousers and an Old Navy blouse is just not appropriate.  A nice gown or a dressier pant and top outfit would have been more suitable to the proceedings.  Her voice although pleasant enough, is a bit small.  When she went for the big money notes, I was afraid she would pass out, so light and airy were the notes.  I would suggest a lower register.  Remember, we want to be entertained.  She also seemed a little unsure with the performance.  Maybe repetition is all she needs.  But wonderful work.

Mr. Gerle's piano playing was wonderful, and so was his direction.  The band was superb and very enjoyable.  The direction by Steve Bebout was fine.  I only wished he gave Mr. Gerle more freedom with banter and helped Ms. Justus relax a tad more. The audience, mostly made up by friends of the performers, awarded them with delightful applause.  Although the show needs a little fine-tuning, it was a very enjoyable evening. 

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"Writer's Block: a cabaret that was hard to write"

By and starring Seth Bisen-Hersh

with Elyse Beyer, Cait Doyle, Deborah Grausman, & Michael Lowe

Directed by Jessica Redish

presented at Don't Tell Mama

New York City

Saturday, September 13, 2008

"Writer's Block: a cabaret that was hard to write" by and starring Seth Bisen-Hersh was an enjoyable bit of cabaret even if the title of the show was not representative of what was put forth on stage.  The title was clever, however aside from one song, it had absolutely nothing to do with the evening's proceedings.  The show needed to be more thoughtout by its creator.

Mr. Bisen-Hersh wore multiple hats... writer/composer, accompianist, singer, and actor.  He does not posess a great vocal instrument, and his piano playing is at times a little sloppy, however he does demonstrate good comedic timing and shows great promise with his banter and overall performance.  The other performers are good singers, but needed more guidance.  The biggest problem with this show is the direction by Jessica Redish. The pacing was choppy and the thru-line was muddy.  Mr. Bisen-Hersh's banter, although charming, at times was sensessly allowed to run away from him.

"Writer's Block: a cabaret that was hard to write" by and starring Seth Bisen-Hersh has a clever title but lacked a clear vision and direction.  The audience laughed and had a nice time, but in the end they probably felt like I did, this show was not ready for prime time.  I would not mind seeing Mr. Bisen-Hersh in a solo show maybe being joined by one or two musicians.

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"The Cuban Kid in Concert"

starring Lucio Fernandez

presented at Don't Tell Mama

New York City

Friday, June 27, 2008

In making my rounds of MAC nominated cabaret artists in NYC, this reviewer was anxious to check out some new faire, so I headed down to midtown to check out Lucio Fernandez who was nominated for a MAC Award as male debut of the year… and what a surprise!

Lucio Fernandez as “The Cuban Kid” presented at Don’t Tell Mama has brought a breath of fresh air to what has become a sleuth of predictable and at times uninspired cabaret offerings in recent years.  Yes, cabaret is ready for a Latin star, and Lucio Fernandez most definitely fills the bill.  He has a beautiful full tenor voice that he uses with ease in performing the many well-known songs that comprise this show.  He performs some of his own poetry with ease, and keeps the audience in stitches with his quick and funny banter.

What makes his performance different is Lucio’s energy and commitment to the material.  It is easy to see this is an experience actor.  It does not hurt either that Lucio is incredibly charming, or that he is accompanied by five wonderful musicians under the expert direction of Robert Webb.  Megan Fernandez is credited with the direction, and she has done a terrific job in keeping the pace of the show in perfect shape. 

From the title, one would expect a Latin singer singing some Latin tunes, but no… I should have read more into the subtitle of the show “Less Cuban Than Ever”.  I was a surprised to hear him belt out Broadway tunes, Standards and one or two Latin tunes with ease.  His story is at times hysterical and at others emotionally moving. It was clear the sold out audience too fell in love with this charming young man.  The hour and thirty-five minute show is so full of surprises one feels cheated of time.  Like a good movie that you don’t want to ever end, this performance keeps you wanting just one more song… one more laugh… one more minute.

Lucio Fernandez as “The Cuban Kid” presented at Don’t Tell Mama” on Friday, June 27, 2008 was a hugely surprising evening of entertainment, and Lucio Fernandez is by a mile the new Latin Star of New York City Cabaret.

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