What's That Smell? The Music of Jacob Sterling, with book and lyrics by David Pittu, music by Randy Redd, co-directed by Pittu (who stars in it) and Neil Pepe, is a great satirical romp with music. It's the interview of a gay composer/singer (Pittu) by an old queen of an interviewer (the terrific Peter Bartlett) and the singer's life and songs. They are two very amusing caricatures. Numbers include "The Private Benjamin Musical," "An International Foods Song," "Sounds of Human Loving," a song based on "La Femme Nikita," and a Boob Job song.
It's a totally engaging musical review by a charming singer who is also an impeccable actor with impeccable timing in his writing and performing. He brings in three excellent auxiliary singer-dancers towards the end, and they do add something to the proceedings, but Pittu could do the show alone or with a piano player in any good cabaret room in the country. It's first-rate entertainment.
Previews:
November 1, 2008
Opened:
Ended:
December 28, 2008
Other Dates:
show first ran at off-Broadway's Atlantic Theater Stage II
Country:
USA
State:
New York
City:
New York
Company/Producers:
Atlantic Theater Company
Theater Type:
off-Broadway
Theater:
New World Stages
Theater Address:
340 West 50th Street
Genre:
Comedy w/ Music
Director:
David Pittu & Neil Pepe
Review:
Cast:
David Pittu, Peter Bartlett, Brandon Goodman, Matt Schock, Helene York
Critic:
Richmond Shepard
Date Reviewed:
November 2008
