At the close of Loni Ackerman’s most engaging and entertaining new cabaret act – “Next to Ab-Normal” she sings James Taylor’s “The Secret O’ Life” after sharing her life and her philosophy of life with us for the past ninety minutes. Ninety minutes that you do not want to miss.
Beautifully scripted and directed (Barry Kleinbort) and sung to perfection you’ll discover what makes Loni tick and talk and sing with heartfelt passion and humor. It’s an original and totally charming evening. A class act! And you have three more Fridays to see her. March 2nd, 23rd and 30th at The Metropolitan Room, at 7PM.
Taking a deep breath, looking lovely in her black pants and slightly sparkly top (who needs sparkles when you naturally glow) Loni Ackerman with a calm and a confidence and a giggle sings “A Shine on Your Shoes” which is a wonderful way to begin. Sharing her optimism and openness she then takes us on a journey of her life – so far.
A life that has included growing up on Central Park West hobnobbing with the very rich and famous – Bob Fosse, Gwen Verdon, Leopold Stokowski, the Black Panthers, Bagels and Bongos, Ted Kennedy and Nureyev (she still holds on to a piece of his intimate apparel) – and her family and not so famous friends where love and home are valued above all else.
A life told seamlessly with recollections that are funny, confidential and cozy with a wide variety of songs (great arrangements) under the incredibly smooth musical direction of Paul Greenwood on piano with Jeremy Clayton (Sax, Clarinet, Flute) and Tom Hubbard on bass resulting in a fresh new sound.
Just one of the highlights is her foray into songwriting while in Paris, “Come Back, My Love”. Another, her New York Medley (I love medleys) and her salute to Andrew Lloyd Webber (She’s starred in Cats, Evita and Sunset Boulevard).
Remembering her good life with “Sentimental Journey”/”Journey to the Past”. Remembering her first time “Blame It on My Youth” and remembering love above all with “All TheThings You Are”/”My Romance” and a gorgeous “Toys in the Attic”.
“Next to Ab-Normal” is truly a romanticists dream come true. Loni’s dream. Hopefully they’ll make a live recording of the show. Mistakenly identifying her as Loni Anderson at curtain call Loni Ackerman, trouper that she is, handled the blip with great aplomb.
Photo: Alex Hering
www.metropolitanroom.com 34 West 22nd Street 212 206 0440
$20.00 cover/two drink minimum
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