By Andrew Poretz . . .
Mult-hyphenate performer, producer, speaker and TV host Quinn Lemley finished her latest run of The Heat is On! A Life in Concert at The Triad Theater in March. The one-woman show brings to life — literally — the legendary star Rita Hayworth, in stories, songs, and fascinating costume changes. Lemley has performed this show, with a script by director Carter Inskeep and stunning gowns by Wendall Goings, for more than a quarter of a century. This writer has seen several iterations of the show over the years at Don’t Tell Mama, first reviewing it in 2021 (see HERE). The ravishing redhead Lemley is a consummate performer.
At this performance, her band consisted of pianist and musical director Andrew Wheeler, bassist Ray Cetta, reedist David Milazzo, and drummer Patrick Carmichael. The Triad, which has the vibe of an old vaudeville house (though the venue is only around 40 years old), provides the perfect environment for The Heat is On!. The room was full, with many fans, friends and show biz notables in attendance, including singer Marilyn Maye (who has since turned 98 years old and is currently doing a run of shows at 54 Below) and two singers from The Original Drifters.
Quinn’s new album, Rita Hayworth Revealed, recreates the songs from the show, in their entirety, with an 11-piece band and arrangements by Tedd Firth. It makes for a great souvenir.
For more information about Quinn Lemley and to purchase signed copies or stream the new album, visit https://www.quinnlemley.com/. For more great shows at The Triad Theater, visit https://www.triadnyc.com/.
Here is a photo montage of from the evening.
Photos: Andrew Poretz
