Review by Scott Barbarino … Billie Roe becomes the characters who live on the classic board game’s properties, morphing from one to another seamlessly— with a song in tow. She runs the performance gamut from Sophie Gernstein — who resides on Baltic Avenue on the poor side of town and who could have easily been cast with Shelley Winters — to Mrs. Bibbs of Boardwalk, whose pompous affectation is worthy of Margaret Dumont in her greatest performances with the Marx Brothers.
The show, directed by Mark Nadler with musical direction by Steven Ray Watkins, is theatrical and totally intelligent and consciousness- raising…. and a must-see in these “have and have-not” times we live in. Monopoly returns again for two Sundays: February 12th and 19th, both shows at 5:30 pm at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street (Restaurant Row) in Manhattan.
See www.BillieRoe.com/home for more information on this performer who, in the last few years, won the Female Vocalist MAC Award, as well as a nomination for her return-to-performing show, two Bistro Awards for her shows exploring film noir and the work of Tom Waits, and came in first place in the Metropolitan Room’s annual cabaret competition, MetroStar Talent Challenge. Named as one of the 50 Most Influential People to Watch in Cabaret by this website, the other hats she’s worn are those of teacher, mother, member of the MAC Board of Directors, and cabaret journalist for BroadwayWorld.com. Venue website: www.donttellmamanyc.com/shows (Click on her name for an online reservation or call212.757.0788 after 4 pm.)
Thank you, Scott Barbarino, for this wonderful review!