BWW Reviews: Colleen McHugh in CHANGE OF A DRESS at the Duplex

I've been around many machines in my other life of manufacturing and have always bemoaned the fact that the United States was loosing it's supremacy in this area. I have now found a Human Cabaret Machine in West Greenwich Village in the person of Colleen McHugh. This machine besides looking and sounding good, has a hard drive capable of massive amounts of lyric retention, a flash card that ad libs with awesome speed, and the ability to create new and distinct shows in rapid time. But unlike most machines, it can really think funny, witty and smart.

The obligatory notice in The Duplex said Occupancy by more than 74 persons Prohibited. I guess I was # 74 (my wife being #73). The overflow crowd was treated to Colleen's show "CHANGE OF A DRESS Songs of Fashion and Other September Issues". The show contained songs by Sondheim, Porter, Dolly Parton, Randy Newman, and others, interspersed with Colleen's original comedy and superb improvisational abilities. Guest Star Klea Blackhurst was a great addition. When the musicians are smiling and laughing you know you're funny, and this was the case with Tedd Firth (piano), Steve Doyle (bass), and Matt Munisteri (guitar).

Ms. Mchugh is the producer of "Reel 13" on WNET/Thirteen. She will also be making her Lyrics & Lyricists debut at the 92nd St Y in the upcoming season, singing Cole Porter & Noel Coward. "Calendar Girl" is Colleen's monthly cabaret series, presenting a new show every month. Last night's show at The Duplex marked three years-36 shows-of one-night-only, once -a month shows. Colleen is also an alum of Chicago's legendary Second City theatre.

This Critic acclaimed Cabaret Machine is also portable, and will be making it's Birdland in Concert debut Oct 24th with- Colleen McHugh Sings MORE Songs of Self- Delusion" Occupancy by people wanting to experience great entertainment permitted!

Photo Credit: Stephen Sorokoff

Colleen McHugh

DUPLEX

Colleen McHugh

Tedd Firth & Colleen McHugh

Tedd Firth

Colleen McHugh & Steve Doyle

Matt Munisteri

Colleen McHugh

Colleen McHugh and Klea Blackhurst

Colleen McHugh & Klea Blackhurst

Tedd, Klea, Steve, Colleen

CHANGE OF A DRESS

Colleen McHugh

DUPLEX