Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Sherie Rene Scott and Norbert Leo Butz tell all in the terrific TWOHANDER, a bittersweet reunion

• By drediman
• July 13, 2019
• No Comments

Sherie Rene Scott and Norbert Leo Butz in “Twohander” at Feinstein’s/54Below. Photo by Adrian Dimanlig.

Last night, I attended Sherie Rene Scott and Norbert Leo Butz’s terrific new cabaret show entitled Twohander. I’ve been a longtime fan of each of these two Broadway veterans ever since obsessing over them in the now classic original cast album of Jason Robert Brown’s The Last Five Years (the CD was on a constant loop during my college days). From then on, I’ve closely followed their respective accomplished careers, which have more than occasionally intersected – like in this limited encore run of Twohander at Feinstein’s/54 Below.

The show follows the two performers’ approximately 20-year relationship, from a couple of young, fiercely talented, but naive thespians in the Broadway production of Rent, to the wiser but still young-at-heart stars they’ve become (along the way, they’ve collectively originated quite a number of roles on the Great White Way). Those of you who follow musical theater know that Sherie and Norbert have undeniable onstage chemistry (e.g., in shows like Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and the aforementioned The Last Five Years and Rent). However, what many people may or may not know – which Twohander tastefully but bittersweetly chronicles – is that their offstage relationship has been just as eventful and interesting, and not without juicy drama and unfortunate heartache (no spoilers here).

I’m happy to report that both continue to be a joy to watch live, particularly in a venue as intimately-scaled as the gorgeously decked-out Feinstein’s/54 Below, one of my favorite cabaret and people-watching spots in the city. Indeed, Sherie and Norbert remain distinctive, completely disarming personalities – not always the case with actors when the appear in their own cabaret shows – and both have more than sufficiently maintained their unmistakable vocal dynamism (it was hugely satisfying to hear their voices once again wrapped around showtunes I’ve so closely associated with them). Their small band, under the attentive musical direction of Todd Almond, was excellent, beautifully underscoring and backing the duo’s delicious banter and touching (mis)rapport. In summary, Twohander, which has been directed by Dick Scanlan with wit and warmth, is one of the more thoughtfully-written and polished cabaret shows I’ve attended in recent memory.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

TWOHANDER
Cabaret
Feinstein’s/54 Below
1 hour, 15 minutes (without an intermission)
Through 28