THE HANGOVER REPORT – Funny woman SUSIE MOSHER hilariously holds court during her weekly “The Lineup” variety show

Susie Mosher holds court during “The Lineup” at Birdland Theater (photo by Adrian Dimanlig).

Last night, I witnessed Susie Mosher once again hold court over The Lineup, her weekly variety show at the subterranean Birdland Theater (the show is performed at the famed Midtown jazz club every Tuesday night at 8:30pm). If you’re unfamiliar with the comedian, Mosher comes in the mold of brassy, shamelessly bold funny women of the likes of Jackie Hoffman and Judy Gold. 

The alum of such shows as Hairspray on Broadway and the long-running topically evergreen Off-Broadway hit Newsical The Musical, it’s no surprise that the singing comic finds her performative sweet spot in hilariously subversive humor and quicksilver improvisation. And when she gets that possessed look in her eyes, it’s the sign that she’s getting ready to pounce, and she does so hard. Be forewarned — Mosher isn’t afraid to break the fourth wall, so audience members won’t be spared her focused, laser-like attention.

Let’s not forget there’s also a weekly curated “lineup” of guest performers, who seem almost to exist to offset the overwhelming force of the hurricane that is Susie Mosher when left to her own devices. To frame her them, she creates a unique atmosphere that’s destabilizing but ultimately nurturing. Last night included both a number of young, up-and-coming talents (highlights were powerhouse vocalist Ava Nicole Frances and provocative comedian Gianmarco Soresi), as well Broadway notable Amanda Green (the legendary Adolph Green’s daughter and the lyricist for such musicals as Mr. Saturday Nightand Hands on a Hardbody).

Seamlessly supporting Mosher is her game, hand-picked band — music director Lon Hoyt in keys, bassist John Miller, and drummer Clint Se Ganon — with whom she’s built a symbiotic relationship (more likely than not, poor Mr. Miller will probably be the the bunt of the same weekly joke). Invariably, they respond to her on-the-spot shenanigans with uncanny rapport.

RECOMMENDED

SUSIE MOSHER: THE LINEUP
Cabaret
Birdland Theatre
Approximately 90 minutes (without an intermission)
Recurs every Tuesday

Categories: Cabaret

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