Natalie Arneson: Mama Drama
Natalie Arneson
Mama Drama
The Duplex, NYC, 1/23/15
Reviewed by Rob Lester for Cabaret Scenes
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. Southern singer-actress arrives in NYC. Low-pay day jobs, audition merry-go-round, networking not working. Does cabaret show stressing the stresses (Sondheim’s “Another Hundred People” after peppy opener). But wait!!! Compensations: Natalie Arneson’s excellent vocal chops and genuine likeability instead of “Please-Like-Me!” solipsistic desperation. Her autocabaretbiography’s “star” is not on stage. She’d arrive with dreams, pluck and BABY. Persevering, passing bundle-in-bunting to her husband on subways (they worked opposite shifts), she finally starting a group of other mother/actresses. All this sets her apart as she sets out seeking a part on Broadway. She weaves tales with panache and perspective. The voice is just-right bright and impressive. But someone needs to tell her that she’s doing numbers toooooo many cabaret singers do. (Allow me to volunteer.) Overexposed are audience-ingratiater “I Love Being Here with You” and “Feeling Good.” I’m feeling good about the future for the starry-eyed who arrived not alone from the Lone Star State. Among other talents, she’s funny. Among other talented on-stage people: Tracy Stark leading a trio and guest “leading man”-type vocalist (“stage husband”) Joshua Dixon, whose own star is quickly rising with reason: he’s superb. Mama Drama is mega-delightful.
Natalie’s husband also took in the January show; if he returns to The Duplex when she does on February 9, they’ll need a babysitter again and, by the way, they have two kids now.
Category: Cabaret Reviews, New York City, New York City Cabaret Reviews
