What I liked
Brenda Varda’s immediate appeal is her quirkiness. There is an ease and playfulness to the tunes she writes. As if that alone were not enough, she has a talent for dramatics, always finding just the right comic touch. Her concept for “Nine Dresses” is brilliant. I can honestly say I have never seen anything like it. It is not everyone who can pull off a blank stage with a piano, a bass player and a couple of racks of clothes and create such a delightful show as this. Entertaining from beginning to end, this show is a must-see, and I’m glad I saw it!
What I didn't like
There might be a way to re-stage this, as Brenda’s talent is staggering. As much as I would hate to tamper with this truly original work, it could be staged in such a way that a pianist would be there, as concealed as possible, to take up the playing, allowing Brenda to shine on her own in her own songs.
My overall impression
A truly fresh, original, and unexpected work from an artist who has plenty to share and a talent that puts it all in just the right setting. Each time I caught myself pigeonholing her, comparing her to other actresses, I came up short; she is NOT like any other actress, and here in L.A., where every server has a resume, that is the highest compliment of all.
