It's been forever! I need to get back to writing! I did some of my best writing on this here blog...
I had such a great time at a show I just had to say how I feel...lol! So here are my thoughts on this fabulous show I saw "Cabaret Marianne" by the wonderful Tammy Faye Starlite.
Tammy Faye Starlite’s Cabaret Marianne is as the kids say it today “Everything”
There is a new cabaret room in New York City and I love it. Pangea is a lovely intimate space with great food and drink. Hosted by Stephen Shanaghan and Arnoldo Caballero Cespedes, some are calling it the Carlyle of the East Village and a resurrection of the glory days of downtown backroom nightlife. I couldn’t agree more.
They have recently featured some of the best cabaret has to offer like Penny Arcade, Joseph Keckler, Joey Arias, Bridget Barkan, Dane Terry and Carol Lipnik, showcasing intimate and unique performances and collaborations that feel more like a gloriously hip party in the apartment of the coolest person you know.
Thursday nights in October have been all about Tammy Faye Starlite and her show Cabaret Marianne. Tammy Faye takes us on a journey through the life and career of Marianne Faithfull done with a devilishly fun flair. Two things that immediately jump out at you are that Tammy Faye has an amazing voice and total command of the stage. She takes control and puts the audience at ease allowing us to enjoy the ride with her. She is joined by a great group of musicians including Barry Reynolds who co-wrote songs with Faithfull like “Broken English” and ‘Why’d Ya Do It”. Each week she has a special guest and this past Thursday that was Patti Smith guitarist Lenny Kaye, who joined Tammy Faye on a gorgeous version of Smith’s “Ghost Dance” (co-written by Kaye).
I’ve had the pleasure of seeing the “other” Marianne Faithfull perform live. I wouldn’t categorize Tammy Faye’s show as an impersonation as much as a tribute to a life well and truly lived. She captures the hard edge of Ms. Faithfull as she talks about her sexual exploits, homeless drug days, the Beatles and the “Stones” man (her asides about Jagger and Richards are hilarious). She then rips into her aversion for her classic hit “As Tears Go By” which she refuses to sing opting for more obscure songs like “That Was the Day (The Coke Came to Nashville)”. I loved this because it is an insane idea to think Ms. Faithfull went country but she did with her album “Dreamin My Dreams”. Other highlights were a dark (and yet still not without comedic moments) “Sister Morphine” and a lovely version of fan favorite “The Ballad of Lucy Jordan”.
Tammy Faye with her slight British accent and vocal fry delivers the essence of Marianne Faithfull to us with wit, charm and eclectic writing that makes you cheer for more. Kids, do me and yourself a favor and rush over to Pangea and see Cabaret Marianne performed by the fabulously talented and stunning Tammy Faye Starlite.
Upcoming dates are October 29 at 7:30PM For tickets and additional info go to http://www.pangeanyc.com/
See Ya at the Party Kids! MargOH! Channing
