I saw two shows last week that really impressed. Dezur Kenna's "In These Shoes" at DON'T TELL MAMA on Thursday, June 18th is a rollicking fun show about the roles people play in life - and the shoes they wear to play them. Cleverly written and humorously performed, the show included an original song ("My Own Shoes") by Ms. Kenna, and an entertaining monologue interwoven with the title song "In These Shoes". Once more, Steven Ray Watkins' musical direction and arrangements, and Lennie Watts direction, were up to the dynamic talents of this most gifted entertainer. It has been 10 years since I saw her powerful presence on stage in ERIK AND THE SNOW MAIDENS (as Anna Dorothea) at EIGHTY-EIGHTS and in INDIGO RAT (as Fraulein Ulrike Spinwrecker) at ROSE'S TURN. Now she's back and as great as ever - in an entirely different milieu. Additional performances are scheduled for Thursday, June 25th at 8:30 pm and Sunday, June 28th at 5:30 pm. You'll find its just the right design and size for comfort.
On Saturday, I was at THE METROPOLITAN ROOM at 9:45 pm for a performance by another of my favorite performers, Euan Morton. This lad has crystal clear vocals with a Scottish flavor, and a knack for putting on a show that seems like it was written just for you. He makes it all look so easy, and his singing is so natural, one does not detect the perfect craftsmanship and hard work he puts into his performances. The show is a tribute to Robert Burns and the 250th anniversary of his birth. "Caledonia: Songs for the Homecoming" is a humorous and witty telling of Burn's life, interwoven with anecdotes from Euan's own youth in Scotland. It is a solid, entertaining hour featuring some of the most glorious singing heard in this town. Euan performers this week - Thursday through Saturday, June 25th through 27th at 9:45 pm. I guarantee you will be captivated.
