What I liked
There are only about a hundred seats to be sold for the remaining performances of this hilarious collection of the material of Allan Sherman, a success in the Sixties and now forgotten, even by me—-and I may buy another one or two for myself!
What I didn't like
The long, long climb straight up a long, long stairway in a building across Melrose from Paramount studios! Also: it seemed to me that Ms Waddell was quite overdressed, in a black-and-gold floor-length gown, for a Sunday matinee of parody material. I’d like to see her try it dressed more informally—-slacks and a striped pullover sweater, for example, which would better suit the material.
My overall impression
Every Fringe season someone resurrects the musical career of someone unjustly forgotten. My favorite: Jon Peterson as Anthony Newley 3 years ago—-Magic! THIS year (so far) the crown goes to LINDEN WADDELL, who crosses genders to unveil the truly funny song parodies of Allan Sherman, forgotten even by me! She tells just enough of his life to cushion the show with context, but not TOO much! (A success in the Sixties, he died almost a half-century ago at 48!) The songs are sublime, and Linden does them with what we used to call “gusto”! Who would have guessed there was hilarity still to be mined from “Over the Rainbow” and even “Auld Lang Syne”? If you’re a fan of smart, literate parody, do NOT miss it!
