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The Night of the Black Cat
By Joseph N. Feinstein
Le Chat Noir (The Black Cat) was a cabaret founded in 1881 by Rodolphe Salis and Emile Goudeau. Under the auspices and creativity of Michelle Danner, The Night of the Black Cat opened at the Edgemar Theatre for the Arts in Santa Monica February 5 and will run until March 26.
This play is a must-see for anyone celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or simply being alive, for it's two hours plus of singing, dancing, poetry, acting, clowning around, and includes a dog act performed by Dot Todman and her "wonderpup" Febi which, all alone, is worth the price of admission.
High on my list for accolades is the marvelous voice and stage presence of Marianne Ferrari who graces the audience with a splendid "La Vie En Rose" and a gorgeous "No Regrets". This lady may be headed for stardom and you can say you saw her here first.
The fantastic cancan performed by Raquel Brussolo, Tessa Munro, Sophia Marzocchi, and Lejla Hadzimuratovic conforms quite closely to the original, and the accompanying theater notes make mention of the research done by each of the actors to help them give accurate historical portrayals of their 19th century French characters. However, the hilarious "Man Can" by Jeff Bragg, Geoff Dwyer, and Andy Siegel was devised according to no historical facts ever published.
And that is one of the strengths of this revue: it is original, creative, and filled with very special moments. Geoffrey Dwyer, as Monsieur Maitre D', is a commanding ring-master of the entire night's proceedings. Toby Forrest reads Victor Hugo's poem,"More Strong Than Time" with earnestness and sensitivity. David Thomas Jenkins and Jeff Atik conduct the Paul Valery Debate on art with clarity and understanding. Finally, Michelle Danner's performance of the late, great Madame De Stael was done with power and conviction.
For those who love the dance, gratification comes from the startling dancing of Lejla Hadzimuratovic's belly dance, the Masker's Ballets performed by Sophia Marzocchi and Gagan Singh, or the incredibly erotic Tango Apasionado performed by the talented, beautiful Gigi Chavoshi and handsome Jordi Caballero.
The performer list numbers almost thirty--each act more delightful than the last. The setting of the Black Cat Cabaret, by Joe Spangler, gives everyone the space they need. Kiki Coates' great costume designs helps transport the audience to the Montmartre of the 1880's which became a culture unto itself and a forum for social commentary. Deborah LaVine's keen direction keeps the thirty-three, yup, thirty three individual scenes moving seamlessly along.
Yet the rightful owner of all the magic of the performance belongs to Michelle Danner who, two short years ago, begged and borrowed to create this lovely Frank Gehry designed theatre on Main Street in Santa Monica. It is to her credit and because of her foresight that this most original, yet-to-be-award-winning show is taking place.
They call the play "A Provocative and Seductive Night." I call it absolutely splendiferous and a treat for all the senses.
The Night of the Black Cat, Edgemar Theatre for the Arts, 2437 Main St., Santa Monica. Tel. 310-392-7327. Fri. & Sat. @ 7:30 P.M. $18.50 students; $22.50 general admission.
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