Lena Hall has done this one-woman show (with a pianist) before, but I had never seen it, and Hall was terrific in her Art of the Audition performance in San Francisco, which my wife and I saw last night. She will be doing the same show in New York on Saturday, Feb. 9. And there's topical updates, including her take on the Rent special and the upcoming Cats movie. (She sang songs from both, but nothing from Hedwig - although she recounts her audition for that musical).
Aside from singing tunes from a wide range of Broadway shows she auditioned for (or performed in), Hall tells an fascinating tale of her life in show business. The joke is usually on her, but occasionally she demonstrates a certain frustration with the industry and its inability to figure out what to do with her. It's funny, occasionally dishy, and wonderfully performed.
We saw her on Friday night. It was, indeed, a great show. Her "Losing My Mind" was wonderful and her Audra-then-Janis "Summertime" was a highlight. Steve Winn saw the first night and his review in the Chronicle had some complaints (primarily the length) - and by Friday, she had already made some edits. I enjoy her obsessed recordings, but I need to see her on Broadway again soon. What a voice - what a personality!
joined:4/26/16
joined:
4/26/16
Posted: 2/3/19 at 6:02pm