REVIEW: Alan Cumming performs new solo show in New Jersey
Photo: Alan Cumming has many cabaret shows that he tours around the world, including his latest one, Uncut. Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Auger Photography / Provided by the State Theatre with permission.
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Alan Cumming has built a career that is multi-faceted and ever-interesting. He’s known for his Tony-winning performance in Cabaret, which put him firmly on the entertainment map in the late-1990s, and since then, he has been a regular fixture in movies and on television, with many notable roles over the years. This reviewer still thinks his one-person Macbeth on Broadway was an acting feat for the ages.
In recent years, Cumming has become a true cabaret star, perhaps inspired by his time as the Emcee in Cabaret. He has crafted a number of intimate evenings that feature stories and songs, effortlessly woven together like a warm, inviting theatrical tapestry. For his latest show, Alan Cumming: Uncut, the performer strives for even more intimacy. With only his musical director, Henry Koperski, by his side, Cumming launches into a 75-minute evening that never stops once it begins. In fact, in a recent interview with Hollywood Soapbox, Cumming shared that one of his goals for the new show is to have no room for applause. He wanted to craft an intimate evening that is strung along from story to song to story to song, with no time for a breath. He mostly achieved that goal at the State Theatre in New Brunswick, New Jersey, where he performed Saturday, June 22.
The evening felt well-put-together, but still flexible and dynamic. Cumming stood centerstage, donning a simple shirt and Scottish kilt, assisted by Koperski on piano and a nearby musical stand that held the script for the performance. The fact that Cumming wasn’t “off-book” was perfectly fine for the makeup of this cabaret performance. The material is intimate and personal, so having a guide to ensure proper navigation through these choppy waters makes sense.
The stories ran the gamut during the 75-minute evening. Some were touching and dramatic, including his life in Scotland and growing up with a difficult father. Some were comedic and raucous, including the many celebrities who stopped by his dressing room at Studio 54 when he was performing in Cabaret. Some balanced on the edge between serious and humorous, including an anecdote about circumcision (hence the title of the show, Uncut). He contextualized a lot of the important chapters in his life and never held back on personal subjects like sex, relationships, politics and becoming an American citizen. He wasn’t dishing details, but rather opening his heart and inviting the audience to better understand his career in and out of the spotlight.
The musical selections were equally varied and sometimes presented as medleys. There were some theater standards and some newer pop songs. One haunting addition was Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now.” Cumming’s singing voice, which is unique, was in fine form, at times tender and other times in full force. He hit the necessary notes yet knew his range, crafting a sound that seemed particularly suited for a cabaret performance.
Alan Cumming: Uncut, which the actor will perform again in fall 2024, is yet another introspective look at this entertainer’s life, all with the stated goal of offering up universal themes that can connect to a wider audience.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Loved the show. Especially his version of “take on me”. Alan and his piano partner were amazing!