Cabaret Review by JK Clarke . . .
Lea DeLaria’s cleverly double- or triple-entendre titled monthly show at 54 Below, Brunch is Gay may also just be unintentionally exhibiting the simplest and most archaic interpretation of that phrase. Her jazz standards and songbook-driven show is the very definition of a “gay old time” as uttered perhaps in the 1920s. It’s a fun, intimate way to spend an afternoon with the comic/actor/singer (“Orange is the New Black,” POTUS) who welcomes the audience as if they were guests in her own living room, then thrills with a thematically-linked selection of delicious numbers smoothly delivered with humor, passion, and verve. What’s more, each of the monthly Sunday events features a special guest—this past Sunday, July 14, that guest, much to the audience’s great delight, was Grammy winner Janis Siegel (The Manhattan Transfer).
Sporting a sharp, dark blue blazer over a black shirt, pants and tie, large black frame glasses, and a thick, jet black mohawk, an energized DeLaria took the stage and opened festivities with “Welcome to My Party” (The Wild Party, Michael John LaChiusa) followed quickly by Willie Dixon’s “I Love the Life I Live.” She hilariously explained one of the central reasons why the song applies to her, with a rather explicit description of her passion for women. The self-described, “highest, gayest human on the planet,” does not self-censor, folks. Perhaps the kiddies should sit this one out.
Next, her much adored, excellent band—Arco Sandoval (piano), Marco Panascias (bass), and Shirazette Tinnin (drums)—were introduced and subjected to a slight roasting by the host, who is clearly, and rightly, passionate about this talented trio. The great thing about an actual comic hosting an event like this is that the patter is natural and the laughs are legit.
This month the featured theme was scat, a singing style DeLaria fell in love with as a child, listening to her jazz pianist father’s Ella Fitzgerald records. Not an easy skill to master, DeLaria has done so with aplomb, which she demonstrated with Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg’s “Down With Love.” Introducing Janis Siegel, who gave a terrific solo performance of Cy Coleman’s “I Walk a Little Faster,” they then together scatted their way through “Night and Day” (Cole Porter), in a fine performance of a song that’s been covered by pretty much every great jazz singer there ever was, including Billie, Lena and Ella.
This being a brunch-themed program, one mustn’t forget the meal (nor the venue’s special mimosas, which may eventually cause some forgetfulness). 54 Below has seriously stepped up its food game, featuring Chef James Klapak and his creative take on classics, from PB&J Stuffed French Toast, sumptuous Chicken and Waffles, and warm and fluffy Cinnamon Rolls. It’s as delicious and “wow!” as it sounds. This is next-level brunch.
DeLaria encored with the à propos, “I Can Cook, Too” (Bernstein/Comden, On the Town), and she certainly did in this show. But why not let Chef Klapak prepare the goodies, while she serves up the jazz? No better way to spend a Sunday. Don’t miss it.
Lea DeLaria: Brunch is Gay. Monthly at 54 Below (254 West 54th Street, between Broadway and Eighth Avenue). Next event – Sunday, August 11 at 1.00 PM, featuring songs by Cole Porter and with special guest Gabriel Ebert. www.54Below.com
Photos: JK Clarke