The Boomer Babes
Still Rockin’
Skokie Theatre, Skokie, IL, July 22, 2018
Reviewed by Carla Gordon for Cabaret Scenes
When the Boomer Babes—Pam Peterson and Jan Slavin—perform, the expectation is for high octane entertainment and mega laughs. Still Rockin’ delivers all that and more. The Babes sing, dance, and poke fun at the challenges of middle age. “The Age That’s the Scariest” (to the melody of “Aquarius”) sets the tone. Rockin’ combines funny new material along with signature parodies, most of which were created by the Babes themselves. “I’ve Grown a Moustache on My Face” (naturally to “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face”) is hilarious. An update to “Strangers in the Night” finds the funny in the perils of online dating. Their Beatles medley parody is big and funny, with lines like “Ellen’s a pigmy” (to “Eleanor Rigby”), “The long and winding scope,” and “Yesterday, I ate too much at a Chinese buffet.” In a parody of “Mister Sandman,” the Boomers imploring inform Doctor Goldfarb that they are willing to sell a lung if he will only make them again look young. There is also a grand medley of non-parodized one-hit wonders that had the audience toe tapping and singing along. The Babes also bring excellent harmonies and energizing movement to the stage. Still Rockin’ wisely balances it’s shtick with heart as the Babes celebrate their long and strong friendship with “Old Friends” and “100 Years.” Thanks to fine musicality, big laughs, and loving chemistry, the Boomer Babes are still rockin’ straight to our hearts.
