Review: THAT GIRL/THAT BOY - That Amazing Charles Busch!
By: Gil Kaan Mar. 14, 2017
THAT GIRL/THAT BOY/conceived by Charles Busch/musical direction by Tom Judson/Rockwell Table & Stage/thru March 14, 2017
The award-winning playwright/drag legend/cabaret artisté Charles Busch displayed the reasons why he's such a creative force to be reckoned with as he had the Rockwell audience easily eating out of his outstretched hands in his THAT GIRL/THAT BOY cabaret show. Busch most deservingly experienced with his adoring fans a two-way love affair with each witty bon mot or sobering lyric he casually or dramatically tossed. Backed by longtime musical director Tom Judson's very nimble fingers on the piano, Busch told stories and sang songs making the 90-minute set go by far too quickly.
Busch easily demonstrated his wide range from high-camp to serious dramatics, as he has already done on the Broadway boards, writing such high-camp farces as VAMPIRE LESBIANS OF SODOM and DIE MOMMIE DIE! to such straight, legit drama as THE TALE OF THE ALLERGIST'S WIFE.
Decked out in a wavy auburn wig, diamond drop earrings (from the Joan Rivers collection), a flowing chiffon wrap over glittery gold pants; Busch mesmerized the crowd with some very funny tales on Marilyn Bergman, the aforementioned Joan Rivers, and Miriam Passman, the character Busch based THE ALLERGIST'S WIFE on. Busch revealed details of his loving Aunt Lillian and reminisced on meeting his Copenhagen friend named Diva that introduced Busch to her budding fabulousness.
Busch's sturdy vocals and strong dramatic chops received a maximum workout in the Sondheim medley of "With So Little to Be Sure Of" and "Too Many Mornings." Busch's wonderful stylings on "I Wonder What Became of Me" received a striking counterpoint piano accompaniment of "Happy Days Are Here Again" by Judson.
The beautiful duet of Busch and Judson on the Legrand/Bergman medley "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" and "I Will Wait For You" brought tears to this reviewer's eyes.
After a number of standing ovations (I lost count), Busch introduced what he called her 'fake encore' song as a song of hope flowing right into a lovely version of "Rainbow Connection." A perfect ending to a wonderful show. Or is it a perfect beginning for all of us???
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