Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
The Hollywood Fringe Festival has begun. The first show I saw was the cabaret style theater, Ms. Tucker Will See You Now,
written and performed by Laural Meade.
Fred Cassidy, a longtime collaborator with Laural, is accompanying her on piano.
What a great combination of talent!
The show is inspired by Sophie Tucker, a Ukrainian-born American singer of Jewish descent, comedian, actress, and radio personality, who was one of the most popular entertainers in the U.S. during the first half of the 20th century. She was known by the nickname "the Last of the Red-Hot Mamas" for her powerful delivery of comical and risqué songs. Tucker made her first theater appearance, singing at an amateur night in a vaudeville performed with the Ziegfeld Follies. She made movies, records, and comedy acts and a name for herself by working blue - by being risky, sexy, filthy.
She was Show Biz Royalty!
Just like Ms. Tucker, Laural is funny, expressive, strong and full of jokes. By using popular tunes her powerful singing instrument is a pinnacle of entertainment. She is truly a funny, happy 'Hot Mama.' Someone in the audience said, 'WOW' after one of the musical numbers and wow is right. Together with Fred Cassidy she is rocking on that stage and doesn't lose the beat even when she turns her mic off by accident. She is totally in charge with full speed throughout the show, always finding funny words to fill each moment. Those two performers work truly as one, pure magic. They sing or play piano solo, (enchanting music), but also together. They laugh together, do comedy acts, and skillfully finish each other's sentences. It is a gift to watch them perform ... Magnificent act!
Laural breaks the fourth wall and successfully involved the audience in her act. At one point, everybody was shaking and moving everything except their feet. By the end, the songs slow down and love for the theatre takes over. The audience becomes her lover. She calls out, 'Hello lover!'
There are six more shows of Ms. Tucker Will See You Now during the Fringe Festival.
I strongly recommend, 'A little song, a little sex and a whole lot of swagger,' for you to see and enjoy.
Directed by Cynthia Ettinger and Michael Schlitt, Laural Meade can be seen at Los Angeles LGBT Center, 1125 N. McCadden Place, LA. The costume consultant is Daniel Selon and Matt Richer is the lighting designer. Co-produced by Haowen Luo, movement consultant is Lindsley Allen, and marketing materials were done by Industrial Creative. Anita Lee oversees the publicity.
The remaining shows at the Davidson/Valentini Theatre are Thursday, June 12 at 6:15 pm, Thursday, June 19 at 9:45 pm, Saturday June 21 at 8:00 pm, Sunday June 22 at 4:00 pm and Monday June 23 at 6:15 pm.
Run time is 1 hour and 20 minutes, no intermission.
*** Just a little note of appreciation; soft cushions on the seats--a nice touch.