BWW Reviews: THE CIVILLIANS are Moving On Up in LET ME ASCERTAIN YOU
Photo by Stephanie Berger
You simply must visit The Civillians' new home. A downtown mainstay, the investigative theatre troupe began their Metropolitan Museum residence September 12th in their revealing and brilliant cabaret, Let Me Ascertain You in the Petrie Court Café.
Focused on a broad theme of beauty, the evening used art and curators within the museum as springboards for songs and sketches. Some pieces like "Ugolino And His Sons" were actually seen in the bordering European Sculpture Court from the café seats. Actors portraying the curators spun rich tales about the pieces' beauty and commodity while other acts highlighted upcoming projects by the company.
One project showcased, Pretty Filthy, is a juicy project about people working in the adult film industry. The always entertaining Heidi Blickenstaff delivered an affecting song, "Beautiful," about a mother, and former beauty queen whose life feels complete by performing in movies: it's something beautiful she can do for her self in her unselfish life. Michael Friedman composed and accompanied that and other songs in the bill. Few contemporary composer/lyricists can compare to Friedman's wordy wit and simple, always catchy melodies.
The well-curated cabaret also included illuminating monologues. Nedra McClyde stood out on a monologue about experiences in a bridal shop, spitting out a truth that "There is no $4000 dress that looks like a $20,000 dress." Jeanine Serralles was also particularly endearing in a piece about a prison beauty queen.
The entire ensemble was spectacular, providing another outlet to explore cultures in one of the most important arts institutions in the country. The Civilians will return to The Met, March 6 in The End and the Beginning in The Temple of Dendur.
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