Jason Kravits: Off the Top!

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Jason Kravits

Off the Top!

The Duplex, NYC, May 13, 2016

Review by Rob Lester for Cabaret Scenes

Jason-Kravits-Cabaret-Scenes-Magazine_212‘Twas Friday the 13th, but I had GOOD luck: Catching wildly inventive Jason Kravits’ mega-entertaining Duplex show. How Thomas Honeck (sound/lights) managed not missing cues from rolling on the floor laughing is impressive, but the guy’s a pro.

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(Also a multi-tasker, booking top shows like this, running the room, greeting, meeting and seating you.) Revealing every LOL line crafty Kravits uttered would present no spoilers. Why? Each monthly show is totally different. Even jesting Jason’s nakedly clueless about his output du jour—at the mercy of  written-right-before-the-show audience suggestions pulled randomly out of a hat, INSTANTLY incorporated.

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Even his name changes, adopting a combo of one guest’s middle name and another’s hometown street’s name. Like the old game of fill-in-the-blanks Mad Libs, scribbled words become crazy keywords in his “autobiographical” patter.  It’s literally the luck of the draw, but much, luckily, was hilariously incongruous. Even more impressive, he and quick-thinking, follow-him-anywhere pianist Jody Shelton together invent full-length songs from familiar or invented “mottos” and such the folks wrote down. I was tickled that one was mine, forcing him to dramatically sing an anthem-styled declaration called “Give Me Liberty—Or Give Me French Fries!” 

Much the indefatigable talent spouted was witty, wacky and wonderful. You won’t see him sweat. (His eyebrows may rise and eyes may pop in surprise.) Theater-savvy audience members especially appreciate his creations intentionally announced in the styles of writers Stephen Sondheim and/or Jason Robert Brown. Rhymes are great fun, especially when—because of the topic—you can see them improbably but inevitably coming. It’s smart, entertaining, and a genuine hoot.  And yes, to top it off, it’s ALL Off the Top of his head.  I laughed my head off. Sure, there’s a method to the madness, but it takes talent— and fearlessness. Returnees know it’s addictive, too.

Rob Lester

2015 is native New Yorker Rob Lester's eighth year as contributing writer, beginning by reviewing a salute to Frank Sinatra, whose recordings have played on his personal soundtrack since the womb. (His Cabaret Scenes Foundation member mom started him with her favorite; like his dad, he became an uber-avid record collector/ fan of the Great American Songbook's great singers and writers.) Soon, he was attending shows, seeking out up-and-comers and already-came-ups, still reading and listening voraciously. He also writes for www.NiteLifeExchange.com and www.TalkinBroadway.com, has been cabaret-centric as awards judge, panel member/co-host, and produces benefit/tribute shows, including one for us.