Kelly Briggs and Jerry Christakos
Lovely
Don’t Tell Mama, NYC, September 14, 2018
Reviewed by Chris Struck for Cabaret Scenes
Kelly Briggs and Jerry Christakos descended upon Don’t Tell Mama as divas who believed they were “without need for introduction” but who actually needed much introduction, one they were more than willing to provide. Hilarity ensued as alter egos Dar (Briggs) and Christy Vann deCamp (Christakos) treated us to a “Lovely” upon “Lovely” evening. Their numerous jokes sent us into a frenzy of laughter as they discussed their backgrounds, upcoming shows, and how the two of them first met. All fictional, of course, but the duo delivered time and again.
Their delightful banter was interjected with talented vocals and good song choices. Perhaps the best of this was the moment when the two threw off their shawls to reveal their perfect dresses for their reunion show. Wearing the same dress, they stalked the stage and dived head-first into a delicious medley of “Paris Original” (Frank Loesser), “Loathing” (Stephen Schwartz), and “My Own Best Friend” (Kander & Ebb). As the singers went from friends to enemies and back to friends in a matter of minutes, they joked afterwards, “That must be the longest we’ve ever stayed mad at each other.” Other highlights followed quickly, as the duo marched along to Irving Berlin’s “Sisters” and the terrific “On How to Be Lovely” (Roger Edens), reminding us “On how to be lovely/you got to be happy.”
Pianist for the evening was John McMahon, who also joined in with background vocals. The group pulled off a well-practiced show that told a complete story of two wayward divas resurrecting their prime with light humor and quality vocals. In every regard, this enjoyable evening represents the best that cabaret can be, and I hope that they can perform it to another adoring audience soon.
