SHARON McNIGHT at The Metropolitan Room in RED HOT MAMA- A Musical Biography of the Great Sophie Tucker really IS hot- it’s a conflagration. Tucker, the blonde, zoftik singer/comediene who was the rare performer doing “blue” material in the 20’s and 30’s is powerfully portrayed by McNight, who has the vocal power and musicality for the songs, and the pin-point comic timing and the bizazz for the slightly “off color” comedy delivered with the authority and voice of a master. It’s a marvelous re-creation of a unique legend. Many of the songs are familiar— big brassy, and all on key- they were never performed better, and McNight gives many a special comedic spin. And she throws in songs like “There’ll Be Some Changes Made,” a straight ahead song with a jazz twist that captivates. Her “My Yiddishe Mama” is a killer- brought tears to my old Yiddishe eyes. When she throws in banter with the audience, she has the timing of a master. This show had an Off Broadway run— it should do a re-run with, perhaps, four male dancers. It’s top of the ladder stuff. They don’t make better solo cabaret shows than the Red Hot Sharon McNight. Three more performances: Wed, July 23, Friday August 1 and Sunday August 3. 34 W 22nd St. -212) 206-0440.

Richmond Shepard—

Performing Arts INSIDER, lively-arts.com, Outer Critics Circle

FUERZA BRUTA: Wayra is the best Spectacle/Experience in town— maybe in the world. You stand for eighty minutes, and the show takes place over you— figures flying, gymnatics, romance, swimming, with music by Gaby Kerpel, all directed by
Diqui James. The music has the rhythmic beat I have heard all over world in all societies and countries from African tribes to Australian Aborigines, to Scotland— dum dada dum dum, dada dada dum dum; dum dada dum dum, dada dada dum. Our bodies moved to its rhythm as the breathtaking action went on over us. It’s a light show, an undersea exploration, with an otherworldly set that expands, solidifies, turns liquid. We were entranced. Here’s a suggestion for when you go (and you really will be missing something if you don’t) they give you two free drinks with your ticket. Don’t have them both before the show. One before and one after would do it. Or both after. If you’re old, like me, move to the back wall where there are vertical metal poles to cling to to maintain balance. If you don’t have a great experience seeing this show, I’ll give you a dollar.

Richmond Shepard—

Performing Arts INSIDER, lively-arts.com, Outer Critics

The amazing Jim Dale has written and performs in his one man autobiographical English Musical Hall show JUST JIM DALE. As he recounts his Showbusiness life story- singer, dancer, comedian, actor, impressionist and mime, he illustrates with numbers from his Broadway and other shows, with a vivid physical agility that is very rare today, especially for a man nearing his 79th birthday. As an eighty-five year old who has been doing mime for over sixty years, and is now the oldest mime in the world, I can tell you the kid is phenomenal. He’s a great entertainer with a twinkle in his eyes, and accompanied on piano by the fast-fingered Mark York, all nimbly directed by Richard Maltby, I’ve never seen a better one-person show. JUST JIM DALE cooks from start to finish, and I can’t get the song “Georgie Girl,” which he wrote the lyrics for, out of my head. Miss it and you miss the best there is.

Richmond Shepard—

Performing Arts INSIDER, lively-arts.com, Outer Critics Circle