Past Reviews

Regional Reviews: San Francisco

The Barbary Coast Revue
Balançoire Club

Also see Richard's reviews of Salome, Dance for Me and Don Quixote


Cast
There are many theatrical gems in our fair city. Just to name a few, Beach Blanket Babylon, Lamplighters, Champaign White and Foodies the Musical have graced our city by the bay. I would add just one more to the list: The Barbary Coast Revue, now in its third year and now playing at the Balançoire Club in the heart of the Mission District.

First, this is not a drag show but a 90-minute history of San Francisco, from the gold rush days to the big earthquake of 1906, told in 24 songs sung by an amazing cast of seven very talented young singers. The songs are parodies of songs created by Bay Area artists and bands from the 1980s to today's hip hop and rap. They were analyzed by director Keith Carames and the cast, along with music director Danny Kennedy, and each melody and harmony was chosen based on the performer's range and vocal strength.

The revue opens with Danny Kennedy coming out as Mark Twain. He actually morphs into this role, not only in speech but body language. He is just as good as Hal Holbrook when he did his one-man Mark Twain shows. Later, Kennedy accompanies the singers as music director.

There is a plot to this revue. Jerry Thomas (Michael Perez) has come to San Francisco during the gold rush days seeking fame and fortune. He gets a job with James "Shanghai" Kelly (Evan Kaminsky) and after a short time Kelly attempts to "Shanghai" our hero by drugging him for unscrupulous sea captains, to be part of their crew. However, our hero escapes and enters a conga contest. Of course you know he will win since he is going against that dastardly villain Shanghai Kelly. The whole revue ends with the big earthquake of '06.

Along the way the audience sees characters from San Francisco history, including Ah Toy (Connie Champagne), a famous madam; Lillian Coit (Stacey Kennedy); Alma DeBrettville (Stephanie Rapa); and several characters played by Fatima Verrell.

Each of the six performers gets a chance to stand out, in solo, duets, and ensemble songs. Michael Perez has a crystal clear voice on "Crossing the Isthmus," "Save Your Soul Sister," and "Smooth/Conga." Stacey Kennedy belts out "Gold Rush Dance," "In my Citaay," and "Kelly Time." Connie Champagne has a sublime voice that sounds a little like Judy Garland (she is noted for her solo shows portraying Judy) on "Pay for Love," "Clap/Never Say." Stephanie Rapa with her mellifluous voice is pitch perfect singing "Fame's Knockin," "He's a Beauty," and "Searching for Jerry." Evan Kaminsky has powerful vocal chops singing "Pay for Love," "He's a Beauty," and "Kelly Time."

Keith Carames directs this fast-moving revue, giving each performer a change to shine.

The audience gets a chance to sing along with the performers on occasion, with a projection of the words high above the stage. Lorraine Deschamps has devised wonderful authentic outfits for the times in San Francisco history. Producer Blake Wiers has beautifully written the book, and San Francisco history comes alive before your eyes.

Barbary Coast Revue takes place every Thursday until November 16, 2015, at the intimate Balançoire Club, 2526 Mission Street, San Francisco. There is a parking garage right around the block from the club. For more information go to www.BarbaryCoastRevue.com for reservations.


Photo: Courtesy of The Barbary Coast Revue

- Richard Connema