Review by Ron Fassler . . .
David Rasche has been a working actor for fifty-five years. Beginning as a member of Chicago’s fabled Second City improv troupe (he replaced John Belushi in 1975 when Saturday Night Live came calling), he worked his way up from regional theatre to off-Broadway to Broadway to films and television (anyone remember his two seasons as the comedically-cracked detective Sledge Hammer in the late 1980s?). No stranger to the vagaries of the profession, it can’t be lost on him that since the 2018 premiere of HBO’s monster-hit Succession, he has achieved a new level of celebrity. Only in show business can you enter your octogenarian years and find yourself more in demand than ever.
Now, with a “what the hell, why not?” attitude, he has begotten “Half an Evening with David Rasche,” an evening of hilarity in song for which he has written all the music and lyrics. This one-man show at 54 Below was for one night only, but judging from the sold-out and wildly enthusiastic crowd, an encore should be in the cards. Friends and family welcomed Rasche with sustained laughter and open arms with a fair share of fellow artists there to cheer him on. I was spied Christine Ebersole, Jackie Hoffman, Carolyn McCormick, Byron Jennings, Mare Winningham, Anthony Edwards, Lee Roy Reams, Zachary Quinto, and Rasche’s Succession cohort, Peter Friedman (Frank Vernon). I’m sure I missed a few others.
Backed by a terrific band, most everyone got the chance to shine: Musical director Isaac Harlan (piano), Jerry DeVore (bass), Alphonso Horne (trumpet), Sungwon Kim (guitar), Brian Krock (tenor sax), Gary Schreiner (harmonica) and Joe Spinelli (drums). Michael Schiralli directs in an unobtrusive style that meshes perfectly with Rasche’s sensibilities.
One of this actor’s greatest gifts is how he reacts and listens. Rasche’s comedic stylings are not dissimilar to Cary Grant’s (one of the best listeners and reactors there’s ever been). Rasche’s expertise with a stammer is reminiscent of Bob Newhart and what he can do with a raised eyebrow is worthy of that Belushi guy he replaced at Second City—all of which are in evidence when he sings a song. Each one is an acting exercise and an adventure down a shaky path. You’re never quite sure where he’s going, which is very much part of the fun. Will this one be sad, or make your roar with laughter at an inappropriate moment? Obviously, it’s difficult to explain comedy when you’re not watching or hearing it, but if you’re familiar with his work as an actor, you may be able to discern his peculiar brand of inflection just by the lyrics alone. A minister’s son from St. Louis, Illinois, his song “Jesus Could Get Along” offers this sentiment:
Jesus could get along with anybody
I know it sounds strange but it’s true.
Jesus could get along with me
And he could even get along with you (and that’s saying something).
And:
Jesus loves handicapped people
He also loves those gay and straight.
He especially loves the hungry
But he also loves those who just ate.
Dare I quote the lyrics to his “Let’s Play Doctor?” As an intro, prior to singing it, Rasche mentions that “this song was written when sex was still fun—and possible.”
Here are a few highlights:
I’ll show you mine
And you show me yours
Let’s play doctor.
I’ll show you mine
And you show me yours
We’ll use our creativity.
Isn’t it true that medicine can be
Such a pleasant activity.
Let’s take our time so we can explore
Every crevice and proclivity.
And no matter what your politics
No matter what you think
Way down deep inside
Everybody’s pink.
Let’s play doctor.
You might recognize more than a touch of the late Tom Lehrer, or a sprinkle of the late Dave Frishberg here and there, but Rasche also treads on the very much alive David Yazbeck (a high compliment). Sure, it’s easy to get ahead of some of the rhyming but it doesn’t matter because it’s all about Rasche’s unique style of delivery.
If you’re fan of his work as an actor, or unfamiliar with his talents as a singer-songwriter, this crazy talented guy has put together a daffy collection of songs performed in his own inimitable way. And if he does this show again, do try and see it. After all, even half an evening with David Rasche is better—way better—than none at all.
“Half an Evening with David Rasche” was at 54 Below, 254 W 54th Street, NYC. For future programming, please visit their website here.
Photos by Ron Fassler.
