Lucio… Less Cuban Than Ever

Friday, November 11, 2011

Presented at The Laurie Beechman Theatre

New York City

I settled myself down and asked the waiter to bring me one of those famous Cuban drinks called “Mojito”, I figured I should go with the flow and enjoy whatever it was that I was going to be in for.  I got my drink, took a sip, the lights changed, and the band started to play. From the moment the music flared, the dancers entered, and Lucio took to the stage, I knew I was in for something special.  This was not your conventional cabaret show. First of all, there were seven musicians, two chorus singers, and three dancers on the tiny stage, that, in of itself, is unusual for today’s typical cabaret show.  The dancers, dressed very sexy in bright greens and pinks, entered with the energy of a thousand. And when Lucio appeared, the room exploded with what I can only describe as group ecstasy.  He was captivating! And the show, mesmerizing! His energy was contagious and the audience hungrily ate it all up.

Lucio has a very pleasant singing voice and can belt out any show tune, but what differentiates him from many other performers is how engaging he is and how well and honestly he can deliver a story.  In fact, the most extraordinary aspect of the show is how well conceived the show is, and how there are no dead moments.  The show is extremely moving while at the same time being very funny and relevant.  Although I left the theatre with a better understanding of what it means to be Cuban, or Latino, or an immigrant, the fact is this show resonates with everyone because ultimately it is a story of survival, self-acceptance, and self-discovery.

The show is novel and completely innovative, and a welcome departure from the typical one-person cabaret where the lone singer accompanied by a pianist sings a bunch of songs strung together by some patter.   “Lucio… Less Cuban Than Ever” had it all, great music, great players, exciting dancers, beautiful costumes, and an extraordinary and charismatic leading performer. In fact, one can almost say this show is in a class all its own.

I send my congratulations to the director Lennie Watts, musical director Mark Goodman, and choreographer Megan Fernandez for a superb job; and especially to Lucio Fernandez for giving me a memorable theatrical experience.    

Kim Grogg in "One Hit Wonder Woman"

Presented on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 

at Don’t Tell Mama, NYC

This cute one hour cabaret act starring Kim Grogg was very entertaining.  The show featured three musicians and two very qualified background vocalists.  It was abtly directed by Lennie Watts with musical direction by Steven Ray Watkins. 

At the top of the show, Ms. Grogg landed upon the boards like a super hero fighting the evils of the cabaret universe.  She garnered even more speed as she unleashed an amalgamation of songs by artists who were one hit wonders.  Very entertaining, if at one level.

The audience seemed to have an enjoyable time; much more so than at other cabaret shows starring middle aged women who ought to be tending to their grandchildren instead.  Ms. Grogg was quite engaging and has very good singing voice.  It just all needed more depth and texture.  I wanted to discover more about Ms. Grogg the artist and person, and hear more about the artists whose songs she was interpreting.

For me, the evening's most memorable moment happened when lovable Don't Tell Mama booking agent Sidney Myer burst onto the stage with a brilliant rendition of "Volare".

"One Hit Wonder Woman" was fun, but needed more guts.