Mark C. Reis: I’d Enjoy Being a Girl…On Broadway!
Mark C. Reis
I’d Enjoy Being a Girl…on Broadway!
Sterling’s Upstairs at the Federal, North Hollywood, CA, 9/28/15
Reviewed by Les Traub for Cabaret Scenes
Mark C. Reis put together a very clever and entertaining evening with his new show I’d Enjoy Being a Girl…on Broadway. Singing iconic female numbers from Broadway shows, telling biographical stories and displaying his impressive dancing talents, Reis created his own unique world that we were privileged to share.
He opened with a couple of dance numbers: “Willamania” from The Will Rodgers Follies and “I Wanna Be a Rockette” from Kicks: The Showgirl Musical. That led into stories about his exploring his own sexuality and his developing interest in female roles. An exuberant “It’s Today” found him working through the audience, greeting friends and creating a real party atmosphere, à la Auntie Mame.
A major portion of the show was devoted to those female roles he most coveted, including Madame Rose (Gypsy) and Roxie Hart (Chicago). His terrific “Rose’s Turn” had the added touch of a dramatically revealed pseudo red-sequined gown, designed for him by Mary Ellen Bosche, designer for Dancing with the Stars.
He finished the show, accompanied by five lingerie-clad female dancers, in a hilarious version of “Cell Block Tango.”
Musical Director Scott Harlan provided great support and director Michele Lynch paced the 90-minute show just right. The choreography by Lisa Mandel showcased Reis’ graceful moves, tapping skills and athletic movement.
Category: Cabaret Reviews, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Cabaret Reviews, Regional
