There's really no other way to describe Rachelle Rak other than calling her "a living, breathing phenomenon." Over the years she's become nationally known for her incredible work as an electricity-riddled dancer and singer on Broadway in such shows as Fosse, Cats, and Starlight Express, as well as a recent highly acclaimed turn as Sheila in A Chorus Line at Paper Mill Playhouse. She's also become instantly recognizable by legions of young theatrical hopefuls for her appearances on the reality-TV program Dance Moms and its companion series, Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition. But on top of all that she has completely conquered the world of cabaret with her show Sas With One S, which premiered at 54 Below on the evening of January 4 and will return on January 29. (The title comes from her popular song "Sas It Up," which is equally adored by her throngs of fans). Part cabaret act, part rock concert, part musical revue, and one-hundred-percent heaven-sent, Rak and a few guest stars clearly hold the sold-out house in the palm of their hand and bring it to their collective bosom.
The evening begins with "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" by Joan Jett, sung along with backup vocalists Marty Thomas and Marissa Rosen, and from the get-go sets the stage for the pulsating action to follow, followed by "Bettin' On a Man" and the Tom Jones chestnut, "What's New, Pussycat?" What is most telling from the outset is that Rak isn't merely an impressive entertainer, but also a raconteuse of delectable brilliance, with riveting stories about her career path. A short time later, she's joined by the delicious Angie Schworer for the duet "I Can't Do It Alone" from Kander & Ebb's
Chicago, and as she leaves the stage for a costume change, Schworer proceeds to bring down the house on a solo of "Funny Honey" from the same show. By now, the audience seems utterly captivated and on the edges of their 54 Below seats anticipating what Rak may blow them away with next.
Rak returns delivering the much-awaited "Sas It Up," as she enters through the audience. Marty Thomas follows with the delightful "Teach Me How to Shimmy," turning it into a gleeful audience-participation number. On "I'm a Woman," Rosen exhibits the same charismatic spark alongside Rak and Thomas. And a brilliant 11 o'clock number comes in the form of Steven Skeels singing "Grateful," with a surprise appearance by Rak's newly-born daughter Delilah (who, of course, doesn't sing or dance yet, but it's a sure bet that she might one day). And between the final number, "Ring Them Bells" by Kander & Ebb, and a wonderful encore with "I Gotcha," it's no surprise that the entire audience rose to their feet for a seemingly-endless ovation.
Sas With One S will return to 54 Below on January 29 at 9:30. Attending this show should be a requirement for anyone wishing to see how nightlife in New York can be displayed with unequaled genius. Yes, it's THAT good.
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