What I liked
Eve’s performance includes lots of fun bits of audience interaction and engagement. I also loved the way she handled her costume changes and became the characters with elegance with their signature styles- Jelly’s Jacket, Willie’s bowler hat. She acknowledges up front that she will be embodying folks who she looks nothing like (“Use your imagination!”) and she does it with a characteristic droll and charming sense of humor. Eve also did a great job using the space and creating memorable stage images (I don’t want to reveal too much but one particular moment re Jelly Roll’s suits at the end broke my heart…) And a moment when she is asking for her “choir” seeming like the audience is going to get involved she surprised us with a 4-part self-choir.
What I didn't like
Some tech/slide show difficulties in the first round, and a little distracting mic stuff- maybe projecting or an old fashioned bullhorn would be a fun effect at points? Also selfishly, some incentive or extra heckling for the brave folks in the splash zone, there are two inviting chaise lounges up front that folks were afraid to sit in. Maybe there could be a bucket of “lye” underneath…
My overall impression
I expected piano prowess, saucy humor, vaudevillian antics, and fun ragtime facts… but what I didn’t expect was what a moving tribute Eve Elliot created for the great musicians and personalities who made American music what it is today. Eve has created a fun, brilliant, and inspiring performance that honors the legacy of the ragtime greats and brings their big personalities and music to life. This show is exceptional!
