David Scarbie Mitchell: Lip-Schtick: One Boy’s Journey to Fabulous and Back!
David Scarbie Mitchell
Lip-Schtick: One Boy’s Journey to Fabulous and Back!
UU Meeting House, Provincetown, MA, July 13, 2017
Reviewed by Bart Greenberg for Cabaret Scenes
David Scarbie Mitchell
Lip-Schtick is a Provincetown tradition now in its 11th year, spreading cheer to both vacationers and locals. David Scarbie Mitchell describes himself as a “fabulous clown” and is a regular sight around town on his bicycle in fabulous drag of his own design, self-promoting his show.
On stage, he offers up a whirlwind of entertainment, changing costumes in full view while offering a non-stop stream of comedy, singing, and lip-synching. Beginning the show looking like Dolly Levi as a Las Vegas showgirl, we also receive visits from Lily Tomlin’s Ernestine and Edith Ann, Carol Burnett and alter ego Eunice, and Julia Sugarbaker. Paired with these ladies are songs, some belted by Mitchell and some by his female subjects, all delivered with energy and enthusiasm.
Among the songs are David Friedman’s “My Simple Christmas Wish,” the Gershwins’ “The Lorelei,” “I Will Survive” and, perhaps inevitably in such a show, “I Am What I Am” and “Sweet Transvestite.” There’s also the lesser-known, very funny “All the Good Men Are Gay” (Ron Abel).
The audience also learns a great deal about Mitchell, who came from a supportive, if at times bemused, family, his husband who assists in the show, and his off-season job as a tractor driver (no, he’s serious).
There’s also a great deal of interaction with the audience, and no one is safe, from the denim-covered lesbian to the gay couple (your faithful reporter and his husband), to the straight hunk and his pretty girlfriend. None of the barbs is serious or seriously mean, just part of the hilarity of the evening.
The show continues all summer and is a definite wise addition to any vacation schedule.
Category: Boston, Boston Cabaret Reviews, Cabaret Reviews, Regional
