Don’t Tell Mama baptized its new brick-walled back room cabaret with the unique talents of Sarah Mucho—who threw the most enigmatic christening since Rosemary’s Baby. Subterranean Circus is a futuristic/sci-fi take on the dark side of life with songs by a wildly eclectic mix of composers including Bjork, Johnny Cash, Simon & Garfunkel and R.E.M.

With musical director Bobby Peaco and directed by Kristine Zbornik, the show had more sharp edges than a pack of disposable razor blades. It is a potpourri of madness and mania with surreal images gleaned from the songs. Mucho wails, belts and whispers with an intensity that almost explodes. Her unapologetic, mystique sets her apart. Who else would risk including Eden Ahbez’s “Nature Boy” in the same show as “Christmas Card From A Hooker in Minneapolis” by Tom Waits? The effect is shattering. She is able to turn it all into a riveting 3-act play with blistering effect. “Subterranean Circus” is haunting and full of surprises with a macabre twist in a class of its own.

The show is deftly directed by Zbornik. Peaco’s musical arrangements are musically demanding and ingenious. Major kudos must be given to the terrific band with Annette Kudrak on accordion, Andy Blanco on percussion and Alan Young on bass. Bobby Kneeland outdid himself on lights and sound.

John Hoglund
Cabaret Scenes
February 14, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org