Kiddie Kabaret: Metropolitan Room
Kiddie Kabaret
Metropolitan Room, NYC, 12/7/15
Reviewed by Rob Lester for Cabaret Scenes
It’s not TV’s Nick at Nite programming recycling old kid-friendly cozy sit-coms; it’s Nicola at Noon (spunky and savvy Miss McEldowney) hosting, booking, and performing in Kiddie Kabaret. Not just big and little songs for little ones, but entertainment parents can more than just “tolerate” with Tylenol and tongue-in-cheek humor that puts the “wry” in “variety.” And if that’s the spice of life, the platters are tasty for these shows which change each time: original music, sing-alongs, optional audience participation, special lyrics to the Great American Songbook (Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Flower Drum Song song becomes “I Enjoy Being a Squirrel” with a furry puppet); puppets are prominent and popular. Usually you get magic acts, costumed storytelling, and other segments for the attention span-challenged of all ages.
Without being hyperbolic and noisy, these weekend matinees are slam-bam family fun and the atmosphere is warm and friendly without being heavily coated in sugary syrup. The show I caught found parents caught up in the merriment, one man jumping on stage to fill the role of The Big Bad Wolf and a stage-struck two-year-old was reluctant to stop almost “co-hosting” and dancing. And, pre- and post-shows, the young ’uns love chatting with the singer-actors-magicians (and especially with the puppets).
Upcoming shows: Saturdays oFebruary 7, March 7, April 18.
Category: Cabaret Reviews, New York City, New York City Cabaret Reviews
