Charles Busch: Charles Busch Sings Johnny Mercer

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Charles Busch

Charles Busch Sings Johnny Mercer

54 Below, NYC, September 12, 2026

Reviewed by Jacqueline Parker

Charles Busch
Courtesy of 54 Below

There is a saintliness to Charles Busch, a serenity that defies description and that lulls an audience into a state of mellow acceptance. Such was the case on Saturday night, when, after an almost raucous welcome from his devoted fans, Busch began to work his magic with his rendition of “Skylark.”  This Mercer classic, with music by Hoagy Carmichael, is a meditative piece, almost like a prayer. The audience could barely catch its breath from the somber delivery when, like the crack of a whip, Busch jumped into “Blues in the Night,” virtually growling the opening line (“My mama done tol’ me…”) in an almost menacing cadence. Such a curious juxtaposition of material, from Carmichael to Harold Arlen, and Mercer throughout.

That opening set the tone for the rest of the performance; surprises were in order, and       welcome they were. But more important was Busch’s presentation of familiar songs imbued with his unique style—not necessarily interpreting a song—but rather opening it up so the listener could interpret it differently. The songs chosen were for the most part familiar, but they sounded new and fresh with Busch’s insight. Singers have many gifts in their toolbox that enhance a performance:  gestures, pregnant pauses, humor, etc. Busch used his in a unique alchemy that enriched each song to the point that it seemed as though he handed you a piece of his heart that you may not have realized was there. Two ballads with music by Henry Mancini benefited greatly from the Busch touch. “Charade” was presented with an edgy, almost angry undertone that whittled away some of the usual romanticism and, after a brief intro, “Moon River” was no longer as cryptic.

Busch’s patter between numbers was refreshing, as were his two guests. Comedienne Ashley Austin Morris provided some rapid-fire humor, and Busch’s nephew, Jimmy Stutt, accompanied him on two numbers. As if being an acclaimed actor, playwright, author, and drag legend were not enough talent for one human to possess, Busch treated the audience to a song he wrote with his music director Jono Mainelli, “Charlie’s Not So Blues.” This was yet another arrow in his quiver of creative talent. He closed the show the way he began—with a sentimental gem of Jerome Kern’s music married beautifully with the lyric of Mercer, “I’m Old Fashioned.” Although Busch sang fewer than a dozen numbers, each seemed like a polished gem in a stunning musical crown.

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Jacqueline Parker

Like Ethel Merman, lifelong New Yorker Jacqueline Parker began her career as a stenographer. She spent more than two decades at the city's premier public agency, progressing through positions of increased responsibility after earning her BA in English from New York University (3.5 GPA/Dean’s List). She won national awards for her work in public relations and communication and had the privilege of working in the House of Commons for Stephen Ross, later Lord Ross of Newport. In the second half of her career, Jacqueline brought her innate organizational skills and creative talents to a variety of positions. While distinguishing herself in executive search, she also gave her talents to publishing, politics, writing, radio broadcasting and Delmonico's Restaurant. Most recently, she hosted Anything Goes! a radio show that paid homage to Cole Porter and by extension the world of Broadway musicals and the Great American Songbook. Other features of the show were New York living, classical music, books, restaurants, architecture and politics. This show highlighted the current Broadway scene, both in New York and around the country through performances and interviews with luminaries including Len Cariou, Charles Strouse, Laura Osnes, Steve Ross and Joan Copeland. Her pandemic project was immersion into the life, times and work of Alfred Hitchcock, about whom she has written a soon-to-be-published article. Jacqueline has been involved in a myriad of charitable causes, most notably the Walt Frazier Youth Foundation, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Sisters of Life, York Theatre, and the New Jersey Shakespeare Festival. She is a proud Founder of Hidden Water. Her greatest accomplishment is the parenting of her son, a lawyer specializing in mediation. She has many pretend grandchildren, nieces and nephews, on whom she dotes shamelessly, as well as a large circle of friends to whom she is devoted. Her interests in addition to theater and cabaret are cooking, entertaining, reading, and spending time on Queen Mary 2.

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