Music Theater of Connecticut’s Hot Summer Nights series presents Doris Dear ‘s More Gurl Talk on Saturday, July 13th at 8 PM. This housewife’s cabaret of songs and stories is directed by Lina Koutrakos, with music director Bobby Peaco.
The two-time MAC Award winning singer, entertainer, comedienne and actress, Doris Dear, aka “America’s Perfect Housewife,” has been seen on countless stages around the globe and in movies and TV shows such as “The Carrie Diaries,” “Boardwalk Empire,” Men in Black 3, The Normal Heart and more. Her shows include Doris Dear’s Gurl Talk, The Doris Dear Mother’s Day Special and the annual The Doris Dear Christmas Special.
NiteLife Exchange (NLE) celebrates Doris Dear (DD)
NiteLife Exchange: When did you first realize that you wanted to perform and when was the first time you sang in front of an audience?
Doris Dear: The first time had to be in the Rumpus Room. Taffy and Duke always had such marvy parties. The Rumpus Room was a beautiful room in our basement and all their friends and the relatives would come over—all dressed to the nines. I would sit on the stairs and listen to the laughter and giggling and the tinkling of the ice as the whiskey sours were poured. My sister and I would wait until mother would call us down to sing our little hearts out! Taffy, my mother, loved to show off her little girls’ talents. My sister always did a rousing rendition of “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” and then it was my turn!! This little girl just wanted to croon a tune! Smoke filled, heavy smells of perfume, cigarettes and whiskey sours… I will never forget the Rumpus Room.
NLE: How did you eventually get involved in Cabaret?
DD: When Taffy was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I decided to write a show and share my stories of growing up with Taffy, Duke and my sister Nancy in Staten Island. It was my way of sharing and honoring the people who gave me life, love and soul. So, I decided to book a room and start the journey. It has been so wonderful meeting all the people and working with such talented folk! I am shocked that so many want to hear my stories and songs!
NLE: You have been a great supporter of other cabaret artists over the years. What has that experience been like for you?
DD: Sharing the stage with some of the most talented people I have ever met is truly an honor. When I do my Holiday shows each year, I sit onstage while my guests perform, because I don’t want to miss a minute of what they bring to the show. I sit there and pinch myself. I am blown away that 1. they want to do my show with me and 2. that such amazing talented people are on stage with me. Truly wonderful.
NLE: What are the ways you go about sourcing material for your projects/shows?
DD: There is always something special that inspires me. I can be sitting reading my Better Homes and Gardens (the bible of the American Housewife) and suddenly an ad or recipe inspires me to tell a story or sing a song. It will spark a memory with my family or in my life and then I write! Celebrating life while wearing the perfect shoe!
NLE: When you’re alone, what do you listen to?
DD: Doris Day (I am hosting a show about her in Green Room 42 on July 19th), Henry Mancini, Broadway and lots of Bert Kaempfert and His Orchestra!!!
NLE: What do you like to do in your spare time?
DD: Decoupage, housework (it’s never done) and of course creating a special new jello mold for tonight’s Rumpus Room party!
NLE: If someone was narrating your life, who would you want to be the narrator? And why?
DD: Well let’s be honest, the only one I know who can wear a caftan like Doris Dear can is Scott Barbarino! No one has the personality and talent quit like our Scott… oh, and we wear the same size shoe!
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Music Theater of Connecticut, 509 Westport Ave, Norwalk, CT, 203-454-3883
This was fascinating 🙂 Doris Dear is ALWAYS ENTERTAINING and she does everything in such a warm and welcoming way – she’s irresistible! PS – My mom was the queen of the jello molds in our neighborhood – it was her “thing” – Glad to hear it’s not a lost art! 💋