by Brian Scott Lipton
Talk about making an entrance! Let’s just say when David Burtka took the stage of 54 Below on Wednesday, November 26 (in front of an audience that included good pals Kelly Ripa and Mark Conseulos), it was in a very different way than one expected. Indeed, Burtka’s whole show, cleverly conceived and directed by husband Neil Patrick Harris, turned a lot of the traditional notions of cabaret on its ear.
Neil Patrick Harris, David Burtka, Kelly Ripa, and Mark Consuelos
David Burtka and Christina Hendricks
I don’t want to spoil all the fun, so let’s just say there were homemade chocolate chip cookies Burtka passed out during the act (and a nifty version of “I Can Cook Too”), and a half-duet, since the night’s special guest star stormed off the stage. Still, there were also plenty of conventional elements, including some charming autobiographical stories, a wonderful rendition of “All I Need Is The Girl” (which Burtka performed in the 2003 revival of “Gypsy”), and excellent accompaniment from the invaluable Seth Rudetsky.
Jason Paige, Kate Reinders, Neil Patrick Harris, David Burtka, Seth Rudetsky, Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos, and Christina Hendricks
I don’t know if Burtka will have a chance to do the act again anytime soon, with his Broadway show “It Shoulda Been You” bowing in early spring, but if he makes another appearance, do yourself a favor and catch him.
Photos: Cindy Ord (Getty Images for 54 Below)
