Our Reviewer Is Nuts for Soup To Nuts ........................with Sharon McNight

Review by LARRY MYERS**** At The Duplex (June 8, 15, 18) is Sharon McNight, a genuine talent as she is an informed wit. If the Margaritas seem limp, Ms. McNight is salty enough. Irony is the true core of successful art. Sharon capitalizes on this in her renditions of “I Want to be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart,” “Your Sweet and Shiny Eyes,” and a number in which she laments, “I could have been Jean Harlow….. but I married you!!” But she’s also “Everybody’s Girl” (Kander & Ebb, from their underrated score to Steel Pier).

Her gift as soulful chanteuse is evident in Rodgers & Hart’s “Ten Cents a Dance” and Craig Carnelia’s “Just a Housewife.” Her Wizard of Oz recreation of the entire group of Munchkins, Dorothy, and both Witches is inspired.

She reminds me of the guest lineup of vintage Merv Griffin TV shows when the likes of Oscar Levant, Liberace, Zsa Zsa, Monte Rock III, and Donna Jean Young were present. Like these idiosyncratic farceurs, hers is an individualistic, vivid, vibrant talent. This showmanship and verve are apparent in her Sophie Tucker and Mae West turns.

Tennessee Williams once commented to me, “I remember when I actually used to meet people before they all became one big blur. I would defy anyone to name another soul now appearing on Broadway who can whip out one- liners like Sharon McNight. Unfortunately, competence does not equal transcendence. There is talent abounding, but oftentimes many performers are instantaneously forgettable unless imminently in your presence. Sharon is remembered.

Sharon McNight, with musical director/pianist Ian Herman, at The Duplex on the corner of Seventh Avenue South and Christopher Street in Greenwich Village. See below for info on this and her upcoming shows in other locations.

June 1, 8, 15 (Thursdays) and 18 (Sunday) at 7:00 at the Duplex – Soup to Nuts visit http://www.theduplex.com/site/calendar $20 Ticket in Advance & a 2 Drink Minimum in the Cabaret Theatre $25 Ticket at the Door, plus a service fee. The Duplex Cabaret Theatre/ 61 Christopher St. (Corner of 7th Ave.) Greenwich Village, Manhattan

June 9 and 10 (Friday & Saturday) The Celebrity Room at Dino’s Backstage, Glenside PA—–Songs to Offend Almost Everyone

June 23 (Saturday) The RRazz Room at the Clarion Hotel, New Hope PA Soup to Nuts

June 30 & July 1 (Friday & Saturday) Sage (formerly the Pilgrim House) in P-Town, MA —Songs to Offend Almost Everyone

1 Comment on Our Reviewer Is Nuts for Soup To Nuts ……………………with Sharon McNight — Now at The Duplex

Daniel Dawson June 16, 2017 at 1:00 pm

Larry Myers should be covering many more shows as he views cabaret in an informed way. His intellectual prowess is evident even in shorter reviews. He is very supportive of new artists but is authentic enough not to suffer fools & overpraise the less than adequate.