Sharon McNight at The Metropolitan Room in Red Hot Mama: The Sophie Tucker Farewell Tour really is hot – a conflagration. Tucker, the blonde, zaftigsinger/comedienne, 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 pizzazz 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. She also 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 and 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 and 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.
