Alan Cumming is big in America. Thanks to his role in “The Good Wife†and his performance on Broadway in “Cabaret†he was a kent face to the folks we sat next to from Tennessee when we went to see him at The Hub. They were fans already, but even so they got a shock.
It was his Scottish accent. He didn’t sound like Eli Gold or even a Berlin MC. He sounded verry, verry Scottish, with maybe a lilt from the Ould country behind it. For this was Cumming coming home, and his merry pranks in America were a source of anecdote, as was his abusive father and his risk-taking grandfather.
He warned we should have hankies at the ready, for this is a well honed act and he is a total performer.
The Hub was transformed into Club Cumming complete with neon sign, little tables and booths, and drink waiters. His choice of songs was eclectic and wide-ranging – from a jingle ad he had written about condoms, through Eurythmics, Billy Joel, Rufus Wainwright and Brecht. He sang Miley Cyrus and Michael Marra, and each song had a purpose, an autobiographical point. A mash-up of three numbers by Adele, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga produced a number outstripping the originals in drama and bravura. Ably backed by the trio of Eleanor Norton on cello, Stuart Semple on drums, and Lance Horne on piano, Cumming did not so much sing each song as live it. He gave his all on each number – loud, proud and clear.
It was a love-fest for groupies, and enormous fun. The arch Alan even orchestrated his finale – “I sing the final number, leave, you clap furiously, will he, won’t he – yes! An encore.†Cumming was born for cabaret. He will be on for all of the Festival. Other shows have come and gone, but Cumming is staying.
He will also appear at midnight in Club Cumming after the show on August 20, 21, 26, and 27. He will be DJ, guests will be arriving, drinks will be served. Party people should not miss.
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The Hub until August 27th