BWW Reviews: SFNY's NSFW '80s IN OUR UNDIES Is Pretty In Pink, Ebony, and Ivory

Peach sequined pumps, Ralph Macchio hachimaki inspired head gear and gratuitous nudity set to the soundtrack of the 80's greatest hits. Where's my lighter? Forget it, it's not the '80s, I'll just use my phone.

I am not an '80s fan. (Why the shoulder pads and clashing colors, '80s?) But, '80s IN OUR UNDIES' Judy Garland-esque mix of funny anecdotes and virtuosic vocals appeals to me.

'80s IN OUR UNDIES is inspired by New York performing artists Lauren Molina and Nick Cearley, also know as The Skivvies. But, unlike The Skivvies, '80s IN OUR UNDIES takes its songs seriously. The Skivvies are more likely to sing an ironic version of Nelly's "Hot in Herre." At this performance, Deborah Duncan sings the Burger King "Have It Your Way" jingle with not a hint of irony. It's clearly a joke - a funny one - but, you find yourself wishing BK's ad agency wrote a longer tune. The '80s IN YOUR UNDIES crew gives real meaning to the saying, "I could listen to her read the phonebook." The runs, riffs and embellishments were fit for a decade that allowed Lisa Frank to create children's school supplies.

Tyce Green aptly serves as the cabaret's master of ceremonies. Even for a performer, he is gregarious, which works. He gets the people going. When he introduces Deborah Duncan, it's as if he's introducing Sally Bowles at the Kit Kat Klub, and he might as well be. Moreover, his vocals are as strong as his business skills, and, my companion*, an '80s music aficionado, says his vocals on "Take Me Home Tonight" definitely rival Eddie Money's.

Cole Ryden's voice is smooth. So smooth that I am almost certain it could sell ice in the winter and water to a well. At the very least, it sells me on a male sung version of "Like A Virgin."

Christina Stroup opens the show with a belt. Her voice is so chocolatey I could pour it on Tom Hardy's abs and lick it off. (Tom, if you're reading, please respond to my letters. Let me love you.) And, besides being an amazing belter, she's very good at maintaining the pace of the show. She keeps the ship on course. Clearly, '80s IN OUR UNDIES is a well-rehearsed show, but the performers make a point of keeping the atmosphere loose and spontaneous. This requires a certain bit of ad-libbing. And, when the ad-libbing starts to outstay its welcome, I can be sure Christina will chime in.

Holland Vavra has the sweetness of a Disney princess and the brassiness of a vuvuzela. She's also very funny on account of her great timing and her ability to think on her feet.

The special guest appearance by Deborah Duncan is the bacon on the, well, anything really. Her performance is the case for mastery. It was all perfect. She hit the notes. She hit the jokes. She sang with such skill and such ease that I didn't even care that she was cheating by singing an '80s version of a '70s song with her rendition of Tina Turner's "Let's Stay Together."

I came to '80s IN OUR UNDIES exhausted after a long day (and weekend) of shows. I was double-fisting coffee in the hopes that I could make it to 10 o'clock. When the show ended at 10 o'clock, I was heartbroken. I didn't want it to end.

My only criticism is that the anecdotes in between sets need to be tightened. I want them there but when I begin to feel they are eating into my song time, I get restless.

I can't wait to see what Green comes up with next. My requests are 1) more nudity, 2) performances featuring unconventional body types, and 3) if you can make it work, Tyce, '70s in your undies.

*Yes, in my mind, I am the Doctor.

'80s IN OUR UNDIES is produced by Straight From New York. For more information about Straight From New York, please visit: http://www.straightfromnewyork.com/

Photos courtesy of Straight From New York.

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