Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Hilarious Tony nominee LESLIE RODRIGUEZ KRITZER gives her Lady of the Lake an inspired spinoff

• By drediman
• June 7, 2024
• No Comments

One of the most gifted comic actresses currently working in musical theater, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer is beloved by many theater fans for her kooky yet lovable stage portrayals. It’s no surprise, therefore, that earlier this week she completely sold out her one-night, two-performance stint at Joe’s Pub, which was packed to the brim with her adoring fans. What is surprising, however, is the fact that it’s taken so long for this talented performer to be bestowed her first Tony nomination, which she received this season for her over-the-top portrayal of the Lady of the Lake in the now-shuttered revival of Monty Python’s Spamalot.

For her latest cabaret outing, she’s chosen to appear in character as none other than the Lady of the Lake — who herself has been nominated for a Tony in some sort of wacky alternate universe — giving the character an inspired spinoff and thoroughly blurring the line between reality and theatrical fantasy. Given her reputation as a top-notch character actress with impeccable comic timing (her homage-cum-send up Patti LuPone at Les Mouches on the very same Joe’s Pub stage is near legendary), it’s a smart choice that works so well because of Kritzer’s commitment to the illusion — rarely does she break character — let her alone her natural penchant for improvisation and witty, whip smart banter. Although I candidly wish there was a bit more Leslie thrown into the mix (at least we got her in memoriam!), I really can’t complain given the level of professionalism and entertainment quality on display, which extended to her hardworking back-up ensemble and fantastic onstage band.

In terms of song selections, they ran the gamut from Broadway show tunes (“Meadowlark” from The Baker’s Wife and of course “Find Your Grail” from Spamalot, which rousingly closed the show) to the varied pop/rock songbook (ABBA’s irrepressible “Voulez-Vous”, Bon Jovi’s throaty “Wanted Dead or Alive”, and an unexpectedly moving rendition of Adele’s “Let Me Down”). And why not? Kritzer possesses a big, flexible instrument which she can manipulate like a true vocal chameleon. Each were performed with vocal command and a tongue-and-cheek demeanor that delighted the audience.

RECOMMENDED

LESLIE RODRIGUEZ KRITZER
Cabaret
Joe’s Pub
1 hour, 10 minutes (without an intermission)
One night only