Photo Coverage: Rex Reed Brings His Words and Songs to the Beach Cafe
The toughest thing about writing about Rex Reed is realizing that Rex Reed, arguably one of the greatest film and entertainment critics to ever use a pen might read it.
Rex Reed — whom I once likened to another trusted “go-to” voice for honest, reliable judgment, Walter Cronkite — opened his cabaret act with a delicious bit of misinformation. He insisted he wasn’t Jack, Frank, or Vic and, despite popular belief, didn’t know everyone. Well, Rex may not possess the vocal pyrotechnics of those legendary gentlemen — and if you don’t know who Jack and Vic are, you may as well stop reading now — but he absolutely shares their rare gift for making an audience feel every lyric and believe every word.
And despite his playful disclaimer, Rex certainly does seem to know everyone. The deeply personal stories he uses to introduce each song are among the most captivating behind-the-scenes show business tales imaginable. Last night, the Beach Cafe was magically transported back to the golden age of sophisticated Upper East Side nightlife, as a celebrity-filled audience sat utterly spellbound by the wit, warmth, music, and storytelling of Rex Reed.
Tedd Firth, music director for the best played for one of the best last night and supplied just the right notes to accompany Rex's authentic phrasing,honesty and effortless simplicity of some of the finest tunes ever written.
Article & PHotos by: Stephen Sorokoff
Rex Reed, Brenda Vaccaro, Lorna Dallas-Brown, Richard Hillman
Tedd Firth, Rex Reed, Linda Purl
Dave Goodside
Beach Cafe
Beach Cafe
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