Russell Goeltenbodt and Friends: Oy to the World
Russell Goeltenbodt and Friends
Oy to the World
Skokie Theatre, Skokie, IL, 12/5/15
Reviewed by Carla Gordon for Cabaret Scenes
Following SRO performances in Let’s Hear It for the Goy and Your Goyfriend’s Back, Russ Goeltenbodt and pals packed the Skokie Theatre for Oy to the World. Highlights included an opening parody of “Joy to the World,” announcing “Your Goy is Gonna Sing!” In constructing the show, Goeltenbodt and Musical Director Bob Moreen found an effective balance of comedy, ballad and swing. The typically proper Goeltenbodt had the crowd laughing during “Santa Fantasy” (words by Carla Gordon, music by Beckie Menzie) relating sensual fantasies about Mr. Kringle, yet drawing the line at fooling around with an elf. He earned big laughs in a rock ’n’ roll holiday song medley by channeling Elvis, with hips all a-wiggle, in “Blue Christmas.” A goofball rewrite of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” made for a fine duet with Jan Slavin. Slavin “rejects” all of Goeltenbodt’s gifts except the five gold rings, responding to that one gift with a perfectly timed, “Now yer talking!” Slavin is a gifted cabaret comedienne who also performs stand-up comedy around Chicago. That comic flair was in full bloom in her performance of Debbie Friedman’s “I Am a Latke,” which was both hilarious and heartfelt. We all rooted for the latke to be freed from the confines of that blender. Tender moments included Goeltenbodt’s gentle delivery of “Joseph’s Song” and a lovely pairing of the Hebrew prayer “Avinu Malkenu” and “Ave Maria.” This song conveyed well Goeltenbodt’s message that differing religions have more in common than not. Special guest star Denise Tomasello wowed with her take-no-prisoners delivery of “I Don’t Remember Christmas” (Maltby and Shire). Musical Director Moreen handled all the merry mayhem with his usual excellence and aplomb.
Category: Cabaret Reviews, Chicago, Chicago Cabaret Reviews, Regional
