What I liked
To begin, Meade’s singing voice is a marvel! It is so well polished and suited for churning out Turner’s classic songs. If I had to pick two favorites of the night, they would be, “Last of the Red Hot Mamas” and “Yiddishe Mama.” Between those two numbers, Meade delivers an emotional connection to the material and masterclass level performances.
I could gush ad nauseam about how remarkable Laural Meade is as a performer, but I want to point out her talent as a writer too. Her conversational demeanor with the audience is amusing. Equally, her dialogue leading in and out of songs flows smoothly.
Co-Directors Mike Schlitt and Cynthia Ettinger are to be lauded for the masterful nuances that make this cabaret so unique. Starting with the show’s minimal set pieces, the audience is able to focus on Meade at her microphone and Cassidy at his piano. Lighting Guru, Matt Richter has done it again creating all the moods for the songs.
This show is the epitome of GREATNESS!
What I didn't like
This is in no way a critique of the show, but I am curious if Meade has contemplated creating other Cabaret shows using material by some of the singer/comediennes she references in this show (i.e. Bette Midler). That might be a worthy undertaking.
My overall impression
Anyone looking to experience a taste of what a real vaudevillian performer would sound like, you’ve come to the right show! Heavenly performer Laural Meade, and her pianist/sidekick, Fred Cassidy, bring the essence of famed comedienne/singer Sophie Tucker to life in their Cabaret show, Ms. Tucker Will See You! And even if you have never heard of Tucker (I knew next to nothing), I promise you will enjoy learning about her and Meade.
Expertly, Meade fuses Tucker’s life with her own detailing some of the highest highs and lowest lows. Adding in an impressive catalogue of Tucker’s songs, this show is soulful, filled with heart, and celebrates the risqué. This absorbing cabaret is not only a love letter to Tucker, it’s an inspiration to plus-sized women aching to be seen as sexy.
All hail the original “working blue” maven, Sophie Tucker! And let me get a rousing “ting ting” for Meade and Cassidy!
