Although Graae's Anatomy is making its West Coast debut at the El Portal Theatre, Los Angeles is no stranger to the musical and often comedic styling of star Jason Graae. And that is Graae, like "blah," not like that hit ABC show about dysfunctional doctors in Seattle. Though I am sure Graae would be ecstatic to have a role on the prime-time soap. But then where would musical theatre and cabaret be without one of its most accomplished players?
If
Woody Allen and
Joel Grey had a child, anatomical impossibilities aside, it might possibly turn out like Graae, minus the adopted Asian wife. In
Anatomy, Graae toots his own horn, well oboe to be more precise, as he reflects on a scattershot career of musical theatre, cruise ship cabaret and an accomplished background in voiceover work. After all, he was the voice of that Lucky Charms leprechaun for a short while.
With a twinkle in his eye, Graae frolics around the stage with immense charm while delivering an often delicate and touching night of musical cabaret. A more accurate way of describing
Anatomy would be to call it musical standup with a big heart.
This autobiographical show, directed by
Heather Lee, incorporates some standard musical theatre fare, yet it is when Graae blends his comical styling akin to
Forbidden Broadway, for which he won an Ovation Award, that
Anatomy exposes itself as a rollicking good time.
Many a theatre mavens will find something to sing praises about, as Graae consistently drops subtle references to numerous Broadway shows. From
Stephen Sondheim to
Jerry Herman, the Great White Way is lovingly paid tribute to by a formidable admirer, along with musical director Alex Rybek.
Joining Graae onstage for the May 21 performance was
Bruce Vilanch (
Hairspray), who has been quoted as referring to Graae's show as "anti-cabaret." In fact, a handful of friends were on hand to join the singer, including fellow
Forever Plaid original cast members Stan Chandler and
David Engel, who helped to give a musical send up to
Hillary Clinton and gay marriage.
Anatomy is often a balancing act of farce and sincere music, and Graae mostly juggles it all with ease, though his exuberant energy occasionally gets the better of him, driving the star off course. Having lost track during Monday's performance, Graae was able to fumble his way back, never failing to keep his audience laughing. And in the end, laughter is what Graae is all about.
Spotlighting the fanciful side of traditional cabaret, Graae has found yet another vehicle to carry him onward and upward. Graae wears many masks in the entertainment industry, as he not only travels with cabaret-styled shows, but also is currently appearing in the L.A. Opera production of
The Merry Widow.
Graae's Anatomy plays the last of a four night run on May 22 at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood, located at 5269 Lankershim Blvd. Tickets range from $30 to $40 and can be purchased by calling 866-811-4111 or online at
www.elportaltheatre.com.
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