THE HANGOVER REPORT – STORM LARGE returns to New York in a relatively introspective mood with “Inside Voice” at 54 Below

Storm Large performs “Inside Voice” at 54 Below (photo by Adrian Dimanlig).

This week, Storm Large returned to New York for a set of cabaret performances at 54 Below. Known for her larger-than-life personality, the Pink Martini singer has captivated fans (including yours truly) with the outrageousness and anything goes antics of her live shows. Interestingly, however, her latest piece – aptly titled Inside Voice – presents the boisterous performer in a relatively more introspective mood.

Given the more somber tone of her latest show, she’s decided to eschew her usual rock and roll sound in favor of a more unplugged set. Backed solely by her excellent music director James Beaton on piano, Large dove into an eclectic set, lending her naturally big, untamable voice and forceful song interpretations to pop favorites like Björk’s “It’s Oh So Quiet”, Cindy Lauper’s “True Colors”, Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?”, and Olivia Rodrigo’s “Vampire”. An unexpected highlight was “Sonic Boom”, a deeply personal song written by Large herself (in fact, the show featured a number of her compositions).

Large is not one to advertise her vulnerability, but she bravely does so in her new show. It’s a beautiful act – which she eloquently articulates in her own unique way – that gives additional dimension to this rebellious diva. Despite being a time of transition and change for this irrepressible singer, Inside Voice is still very much a Storm Large experience, complete with bawdy humor and curse-soaked banter. We wouldn’t have it any other way.

RECOMMENDED

STORM LARGE: INSIDE VOICE
Cabaret
54 Below
1 hour, 15 minutes (without an intermission)
Through January 6

Categories: Cabaret, Music, Other Music

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