Sarah Naughton and Jake Weinstein
Javanka: Back in New York!
Feinstein’s/54 Below, NYC, February 15, 2019
Reviewed by Chris Struck for Cabaret Scenes
Sarah Naughton and Jake Weinstein’s latest foray into cabaret has marked them as a potential must-see in New York City nightlife. As far as Feintein’s/54 Below performances go, this parody show was both experimental and classic, pushing tradition ever so slightly to create something beyond the usual beat. The duo’s timing and wit were on full display through a clever political spoof of Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump’s awkward inclusion in White House affairs. While there was more than a little political banter, the pair took aim at everything that’s public in the very public lives of the Trumps. For example, Naughton as Ivanka came onto the stage saying bye to her father with the salutation, “Bye, hugs and kisses on the lips.” By the end of the night there would be Russian flags, a few magic tricks, and even hand cuffs!
But, of course, Naughton and Weinstein are “off the hook.” Not only did they go through a variety of classic and quirky musicals for their material—from The Apple Tree to The Sound of Music—but they integrated the drama of the recent presidency into their lyrics for laughs. For example, after the introductions were over, Weinstein, as Jared, sang a spoof version of Sondheim and Bernstein’s “Maria” (West Side Story) about Ivanka. “Ivanka,” he sang, “I just made a deal with a girl named Ivanka.” Of course, the punchline was “Daddy Donald’s” book, The Art of the Deal.
Meanwhile, Naughton tended to dismiss the romance, creating a comic routine focusing on satirizing relationships forged for business means rather than pleasure. In fact, when asked for a love song, she instead sang one to her dad. This time it wasn’t sexual; instead it was a tongue-in-cheek reference to the prevalence of men in business-leadership positions, using an adaptation of “Part of Your World” (Alan Menken/Howard Ashman/Glenn Slater). Starting off with “Look at this stuff, isn’t it neat…How many closets can one condo hold?,” she pivoted into wistful wondering about what it would be like to be a man making deals alongside her father. This epitomized her portrayal of the leading lady as she quipped early, “talk in a sexy voice, so you’re not threatening.”
The duo brought it all, including a “10 Deal Commandments” (Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda) and “Tweetin’ Donald” (“Rocking Robin”; Dan Slovak/Jimmie Thomas) that made the audience roar. Even better, was “Hello Twelve, Hello Thirteen, Hello Love” from A Chorus Line. By inserting a Trump cabinet member or staff into the song, the lyrics could become something like “Hello Flynn, Hello Spicer, Hello Trump” or, as later in the song and more accurately, “Goodbye Flynn, Goodbye Spicer, Hello Trump.”
Quite a number of cabaret shows have dealt with the recent politics of the United States, but none with such a funny and upbeat tone. Weinstein was at the piano and came out from behind it for more than a few numbers; Ben Ash was on guitar, Kairul Aiman was on bass, and Josh Bailey was on drums. Vishal Vaidya played the “Phantom Robert Mueller” for a stupendous finale. But, I can’t give away the ending, especially if the duo reprises the show anytime soon.
