Cumming With a G Not Cumming With an S

Former Cabaret star Alan Cumming is now appearing in a cabaret show of his own at Feinstein's. The first week of his engagement ends tonight (my apologies for not getting this post up sooner, I was having computer troubles) and he will be appearing again from June 22 through June 26.

I saw a dirtier version of this show at Joe's Pub in January. He was just as entertaining in this equally intimate venue, but I think Joe's Pub was a little more suited to his raunchy brand of humor. He joked that he enjoyed Feinstein's because he was the youngest there by about 20 years (sorry, Mr. Cumming, but I'm pretty sure my friend and I were the youngest).

The set list included musical theater songs and some songs that he wrote or co-wrote with pianist Lance Horne (also accompanying was Yair Evnine on cello). The evening began with a passionate "Mein Herr," a song from Cabaret that of course Cumming did not perform in the revival. One of the highlights was a Hedwig and the Angry Inch medley. Cumming did mention that he was supposed to be in a musical this fall, but because he left that production (Spider-Man), he'll be able to see his friend John Cameron Mitchell in Hedwig. Does this mean Mitchell will definitely be in it? If so, that's good news. If not, well, I guess Cumming is available.

Cumming mentioned his initial reluctance to perform a cabaret because he didn't know how to sing without being a character. But part of his talent is that he is able to fully create a character in every song. Even when not singing, he is a strong storyteller. An extended story about his appearance on the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade was particularly hilarious, but I won't spoil it here.

Now that Cumming will no longer be on Broadway this fall, who knows when we'll get to see him on the New York stage again. In the meantime, this show is not to be missed.