Review: Get in the Groove with HIS ROYAL HIPNESS LORD BUCKLEY at 59E59

His Royal Hipness, Lord Buckley is now at 59E59 Theaters through January 1st. Written and performed by Jake Broder and directed by David Ellenstein, there's no other stage show like it. Audiences will surely get in the groove with this entertaining performance. Relax, sit back, and enjoy yourself in the theater's nightclub setting.

Lord Richard Buckley, born Richard Myrle Buckley, was an American stage performer and recording artist. In the 1940's and 1950's he created a comedic, aristocratic character that performed material with a clever, bebop twist. Hailed as one of the most influential comedians of his time, he appeared on shows that included Groucho Marx's "You Bet Your Life" and "The Ed Sullivan Show."

Backed by a jazz trio, Jake Broder brings Buckley to life right before your eyes. In the performance, he bases many of his routines on the ones Lord Buckley performed more than 50 years ago. He retells some well-known tales like A Christmas Carol and The Pied Piper all in "the modern semantic of the hip." He also "blows" the Gettysburg Address in hipster lingo and lends his own interpretation to some of the Constitutional Amendments. Liberal, contemporary political statements are cleverly imbedded in the dialogue. The show also features a fantastic group of musicians and Buckley's sidekick, The Hip News Man. As Buckley tells the audience, "Think of yourself as a graduate student at the University of Hip."

Jake Broder's portrayal of Lord Buckley showcases his creativity and wonderful comedic timing. Michael Lanahan is ideal as the The Hip News Man and also plays the role of Abraham Lincoln. The excellent musicianship of the jazz trio makes the pacing of the show lively and fascinating. They include Brad Russell on bass, Mark Hartman on piano and Daniel Glass on drums.

The Creative Team includes lighting and sound design by Aaron Rumley and the Production Stage Manager is Norah Scheinman.

His Royal Hipness Lord Buckley has had sold out performances in the United States and internationally. See this zany, yet incredibly relevant show while it is on the New York City stage. It is an outstanding piece of theater for the holiday season.

His Royal Hipness Lord Buckley is produced by North Coast Repertory Theatre. The show is on a limited engagement through Sunday, January 1. Performances are at 59E59 Theaters (59 East 59th Street between Park and Madison Avenues). Tickets are $25 - $40 ($24.50 for 59E59 Members). To purchase tickets, call Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200 or visit www.59e59.org.

Photo Credit: Vincent Scarano

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