Nikki Nouveau

No Regrets – The Edith Piaf Story

The Duplex, NYC, September 8, 2017

Reviewed by Chris Struck for Cabaret Scenes

Nikki Nouveau’s show reflected on the dramatic life of Edith Piaf, the famous French cabaret singer once regarded as France’s national chanteuse until her death in 1963 at the age of 47. Nouveau’s sultry voice recalled that of the Piaf’s as she weaved a tale of sorrow and heartbreak using mainly Piaf’s most well-known songs. Starting from the thrilling, yet forlorn “La vie en rose,” Nouveau commanded both French and English perfectly to share her well-crafted story about her French idol.

Dressed in a stunning black evening gown with frills, and long, black opera gloves, this blonde Australian may not have resembled the “Little Sparrow” that was Edith Piaf in stature, but she demonstrated the very best of cabaret with style and grace.

We could feel the fresh emotion of “Sous le ciel de Paris” and the heartbreak ring through “L’Accordeoniste” and “Lovers for a Day.” Nouveau’s vigor captured us, and with each “Padam” in “Padam, Padam,” the voices of the audience grew louder and more excited while she twisted her hand through the air like an entranced conductor. My personal favorite was her powerful rendition of “Autumn Leaves,” the famous English version of the song “Les feuilles mortes,” both performed by Piaf in 1950 on Tallulah Bankhead’s famous radio show, The Big Show. Arguably, Nouveau saved the best for last, sharing the excellent, “Non, je ne regrette rien,” which helped to give her show its title. Look for her to return to New York soon!