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.
