Jason Kravits: Off the Top!
Jason Kravits
Off the Top!
The Duplex, NYC, May 13, 2016
Review by Rob Lester for Cabaret Scenes
‘Twas Friday the 13th, but I had GOOD luck: Catching wildly inventive Jason Kravits’ mega-entertaining Duplex show. How Thomas Honeck (sound/lights) managed not missing cues from rolling on the floor laughing is impressive, but the guy’s a pro. (Also a multi-tasker, booking top shows like this, running the room, greeting, meeting and seating you.) Revealing every LOL line crafty Kravits uttered would present no spoilers. Why? Each monthly show is totally different. Even jesting Jason’s nakedly clueless about his output du jour—at the mercy of written-right-before-the-show audience suggestions pulled randomly out of a hat, INSTANTLY incorporated. Even his name changes, adopting a combo of one guest’s middle name and another’s hometown street’s name. Like the old game of fill-in-the-blanks Mad Libs, scribbled words become crazy keywords in his “autobiographical” patter. It’s literally the luck of the draw, but much, luckily, was hilariously incongruous. Even more impressive, he and quick-thinking, follow-him-anywhere pianist Jody Shelton together invent full-length songs from familiar or invented “mottos” and such the folks wrote down. I was tickled that one was mine, forcing him to dramatically sing an anthem-styled declaration called “Give Me Liberty—Or Give Me French Fries!”
Much the indefatigable talent spouted was witty, wacky and wonderful. You won’t see him sweat. (His eyebrows may rise and eyes may pop in surprise.) Theater-savvy audience members especially appreciate his creations intentionally announced in the styles of writers Stephen Sondheim and/or Jason Robert Brown. Rhymes are great fun, especially when—because of the topic—you can see them improbably but inevitably coming. It’s smart, entertaining, and a genuine hoot. And yes, to top it off, it’s ALL Off the Top of his head. I laughed my head off. Sure, there’s a method to the madness, but it takes talent— and fearlessness. Returnees know it’s addictive, too.
Category: Cabaret Reviews, New York City, New York City Cabaret Reviews, Regional
