Mark Nadler: Addicted to the Spotlight

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Mark Nadler

Addicted to the Spotlight

54 Below, NYC, February 18, 2015

Reviewed by Ron Forman for Cabaret Scenes

postcard-4inx6in-h-frontMark Nadler is a force of nature. Seeing him perform means an evening of laughter, tears, drama, singing, dancing and great piano playing. Addicted to the Spotlight was ostensibly a show about Al Jolson and Danny Kaye, but, ultimately, it was a show about Mark Nadler. Bursting with energy, he artfully mingles songs and stories about Jolson and Kaye with his own life story.

Nadler opened by walking through the audience while performing a number that described Jolson and Kaye, but also himself: “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy.” It was followed by “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” its “show must go on” theme runs through many of the life stories in the show. Nadler was amazing doing  “Tchaikovsky,” the song that made Kaye a star. The always kinetic Nadler made his piano work on “Swanee” a joy to watch as well as to listen to. Jolson had a softer side, captured very nicely with “You Are Too Beautiful.” “Ballin’ the Jack” allowed Nadler to show off his prowess as a tap dancer. A moving story regarding his mom’s passing preceded “My Mammy.” The show ended with a rousing “When the Saints Go Marching In,” with special lyrics by Kaye’s wife, Sylvia Fine.

Mark continues to be Addicted to the Spotlight at 54 Below on March 11 & 25 & April 15. All shows at 7 pm.

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Ron Forman

Ron Forman has been a Mathematics Professor at Kingsborough Community College for 45 years. In that time, he has managed to branch out in many different areas. From 1977 to 1994 he was co-owner of Comics Unlimited, the third largest comic book distribution company in the USA. In 1999,after a lifetime of secretly wanting to do a radio program, he began his weekly Sweet Sounds program on WKRB 90.3 FM, dedicated to keeping the music of the Great American Songbook alive and accessible. This introduced him to the world of cabaret, which led to his position as a reviewer for Cabaret Scenes.