REVIEW: Kiki & Herb are back, sleighing the crowd at BAM
Photo: Kiki & Herb, brought to life by Justin Vivian Bond and Kenny Mellman, debut at BAM. Photo courtesy of Richard Termine / Provided by BAM with permission.
BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Kiki & Herb, the lounge act performed by Justin Vivian Bond and Kenny Mellman, have not been in the warmth of the spotlight in more than a decade, but they have made a triumphant return to the cabaret scene with their new yuletide show Kiki & Herb SLEIGH at BAM, now playing through Saturday, Dec. 4 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Harvey Theater.
The characters of Kiki & Herb are beloved by fans of Bond and Mellman. They are a singer (Kiki) and pianist (Herb) who sample more pop tunes than Moulin Rouge! The Musical, and they artfully and cleverly couple comedy antics with heartfelt thoughtfulness. There are definitely many earned laughs in their BAM show, but this reviewer savored the moments of tenderness just as much.
There’s a whole backstory to Kiki & Herb, and they have no problem sharing the details — sometimes sordid details — with the captivated audience. They are now in their 90s, made evident by the heavy makeup on Bond and Mellman, but they have the energy of a chanteuse and accompanist just starting out in the business that is show.
The evening opens somewhat subdued and melancholic, with Herb singing the opening lyrics of Billy Joel’s “Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway),” and then the ferocious boundlessness of Kiki livens things up. The singer’s entrance at the Harvey Theater on opening night immediately instigated a standing ovation, simultaneous acknowledgment of the road this performer has traveled and the joys to come over the next two hours.
The opening 20 minutes find Kiki hamming it up with the audience, with some lucky fans in the first few rows receiving some one-on-one adoration and personalized serenading. The theatergoers obviously were enjoying everything Kiki was giving out. As things settle down, Kiki & Herb pick up their old routine as if no time has passed since their last engagement (it has been a long time!). They both drink plenty of booze, and as the evening progresses, much of that alcohol spills out of their glasses and onto the floor. Their singing never waivers, but they hilariously struggle with microphones and Kiki’s serpentine boa constantly getting in the way.
The selections throughout the night vary. In the beginning, Kiki & Herb lean on holiday favorites, always with their sardonic wit and unique interpretation. A pop song is never too far away either (REO Speedwagon, Meatloaf and others make audio appearances). Some of the signature numbers for SLEIGH at BAM appear in the second half, with Kiki even more reflective, despondent and thoughtful, ready to chew up some lyrics and show the audience how 91 years have earned the singer a spot at the top. Most movingly is Tori Amos’ “Crucify,” which Kiki sells for all the song is worth, and an encore presentation of a song that is particularly poignant for recent events.
There are also stories, many of them wonderfully meandering, courtesy of Kiki. There’s mention of the duo’s early career, family and upbringing, with many of the details no doubt memorized by those dedicated fans in the audience (and there are many dedicated fans of Kiki & Herb; tickets are all about sold out for the week-long run). In these recitations, there is no barrier between the chanteuse and the crowd; everyone is invited on the adventure, not exactly knowing where it’s going to end up but loving every minute of the journey.
There is, to be expected, some gallows humor about the pandemic, with a specific nod to the Omicron variant of COVID-19 (Kiki can’t quite pronounce “Omicron,” and it gets worse as the night continues on). There is also mention of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and World AIDS Day, set each year for Dec. 1. Nothing is overtly political, but there’s a skewering of everyone and everything; the easily offended are likely not in the crowd anyway.
There will be those who walk away from this latest performance piece by Kiki & Herb with vivid memories of the laughs. Bond and Mellman know how to construct an evening of delightfully absurd comedy. Others will walk away impressed by Bond’s singing style, which is strong and unique, always adding flavor and sophistication to a medley of songs, most of which, let’s be honest, are heightened by these reflective and powerful interpretations.
However, this reviewer walked away with thoughts of thankfulness, most of all. The audience members have been living in necessary isolation for nearly two years, with the world facing so many uncertainties and hard-to-digest realities. Yet, Kiki & Herb are improbably back in the spotlight, welcoming one and all to sleigh some Christmas carols and find inspiration in community once again. The world is better with Kiki & Herb in it. The same can be said of Bond and Mellman.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Kiki & Herb SLEIGH at BAM, featuring Justin Vivian Bond and Kenny Mellman, continues at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Harvey Theater through Saturday, Dec. 4. Running time: approximately 2 hours. Click here for more information and tickets.
