Sondheim Unplugged at 54 Below starring Robbiej and some other people

[Mister Matt]

Just had to post this as a virtual standing ovation for robbiej who F*CKING KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK at 54 Below last Sunday.

As if it wasn't enough that he NAILED If You Can Find Me, I'm Here, one of Sondheim's most difficult numbers, he then had to go and show up everyone in the room with Ladies Who Lunch . Now, we've all see the gay man's Ladies Who Lunch countless times at parties, karaoke, piano bar, in the car, or delivered it ourselves in the privacy of the shower, etc. All that changed Sunday night. Robbiej took one of the stock numbers in every show queen's repertoire, defined it, and underlined it. From here on out, it is the definitive rendition of Ladies Who Lunch performed by a gay man. That's it. Game over. He started with all the requisite humor, delivered flawlessly, but then in the final act of the song, shifted the scene and the tone and made it personal, bitter, touching and triumphant. It was glorious.

Oh, yeah...the other performers were all wonderful and it was a genuine thrill to see Sarah Rice (the original Johanna in Sweeney Todd) perform Green Finch and Linnet Bird sans microphone (to which she amusingly referred to as her "parlor trick"), but if it wasn't enough, Ms. Rice, robbiej and others performed the Kiss Me quartet from Sweeney Todd. With robbiej as the Beadle. Yeah, you heard right. Sensitivieeeeeeeeeeees! It was daring, dangerous and insanely awesome. And it was pretty clear it was robbiej's night.

And the company was exquisite. Could it be more perfect that I was sitting back-to-back with robbiej's charming and delightful mother? We shared a little love after Ladies Who Lunch. And then spending time with the blissfully charming themysteriousgrowl and partner, both of whom I could easily chat with for HOURS. An absolute perfect end to a fabulous trip.

Congrats robbiej! I mean, you're a total bitch for upstaging my vacation in front of my boyfriend, but in this one special instance, it will be graciously allowed.

[PalJoey]

Wish I had been there! I saw him do "The Ballad of Booth" at Sondheim Unplugged two months ago and he was astonishing. Wish I had met you too!

[Mister Matt]

One of the most magical things about his Ladies Who Lunch was that while there was bitterness, in his face and in his tone there was underlying pain that justified everything. It wasn't a rant or a bitchfest. The clarity was so specific, I instantly identified with him in every line he delivered.

And no, I'm not kissing his ass. God knows where it's been.

[SonofRobbieJ]

Well HOT DAMN! Thank you so much for these overly kind words, dollface! It was an honor to have you and growl and assorted hot dates in the audience on Sunday. I've loved doing this series over the last few years, and I'm just so grateful that some of the wonderful people I know here (and in the 'real world') have come to see the show when I've been in it. Truly...it's such a gift to have you guys out there.

Ya know...I just realized that Sondheim Unplugged was the very first time I was back on stage after my beloved passed away. It wasn't even a month later, and as I walked down the stairs of the Laurie Beechman Theater (which is where this series started), I didn't know how I was going to feel. But, as is so often in life, music began a process of healing that continues to this day. It's been such a joy to explore this insanely challenging, amazing music and it's really helped to bring me back to life. No...more than that. It's helped me redefine my life in a way that is fulfilling and meaningful. And it's all the sweeter to know that you guys have been along for the journey...both in the audience and in my life.

Oh dear. I actually had a real emotion. I'm gonna open the bottle of tequila I keep in my desk drawer.

[Mister Matt]

You know, you mention your "journey" and I think that was the key to your performance. There was a personal journey happening in Ladies Who Lunch (at least, from my perspective as an audience member) and that was what made it something very special. I was right there with you on the journey and you were the voice for so many of us.

[SonofRobbieJ]

That truly is overwhelming to hear. Thank you, love.

[Mister Matt]

Hey, it was all you. You earned it.

[themysteriousgrowl]

Hear, hear! Fck Patti! Robbie tore into and then through – and then back into again – “Ladies Who Lunch,” unquestionably the vocal and acting highlight of the night. His ending “Rise!”s are burned into my memory because – guess what, Mizz Lupone – he actually earned them. Robbie doesn’t need any silly drink throwing, do you, baby? As Matt pointed out, you clearly had a journey mapped out for the song, and your work paid off. It was immensely enjoyable, to say nothing of ending our trip (literally: we went from the bar to the bus) with post-show drinks and some fabulous conversation. I only wish we hadn’t had to leave so early!

So, again, Cheers to you, Robbie! Jusqu'à la prochaine fois!

[D2]

And I was stuck in Pittsburgh this weekend.

My two cents: An entire evening of Robbie singing Sondheim. Just Robbie and a couple of backup singers to be used only when necessary. ROBBIE UNPLUGS SONDHEIM.

Boom!

[NYadgal]

Bravo, Robbie.

And, Deet, I like that idea!

[PalJoey]

"Robbie Does Sondheim"?

[SonofRobbieJ]

Um...it's in the works...and it's going to be called 'Bobby Baby: Maitner sings Sondheim'.

These words have all been a balm to my rapidly aging soul. FIVE DAYS TO 40!!! I'll drink to that!

[Mister Matt]

I still want to know who that sourpuss lady was sitting in the front. She looked so freaking familiar. I know she was "somebody". She looked like everyone was auditioning for her.

[ArtMan]

Robbie, saw something you performed in another clip. You have a great voice.

[SonofRobbieJ]

Thanks, ArtMan! This thread has been lovely for my ego!