ANITA
GILLETTE WOWS WITH SLICK NEW ACT IN BIRDLAND DEBUT - From New York Calling
CABARET by William Wolf
“Anita Gillette: After
All…” The result is dazzling, classy entertainment. .. The way the show is
smartly structured (Barry Kleinbort directs), its dips into Gillette’s career
are honed into what is very much now, a fun tour of what an appealing, charming
and versatile performer Gillette is at this very moment. She’s a contemporary
treasure ripe for any big time booking anywhere, amply proved after Jim Caruso
enthusiastically introduced the premiere of her new act at Birdland (January 30,
2012)
WICKEDLY
FUNNY............COMPLETELY CAPTIVATING WomanAroundTown.com REVIEW by Alix Cohen
- “Baby June had nothing on this 5’2” (well
almost) red headed bundle of dynamite. With fifty years in theater, television,
and film under her pave sash (undetectable by either appearance or energy
level), the formidably talented Anita Gillette has finally gotten around to
presenting her first cabaret act. It was worth the wait...”
“How did I Love It? Let me
count the ways. Enchanting, Humorous, Touching, Inspirational!”
-Steve Ross
“Anita
Gillette proved tonight what makes an entertainer! The joy she exuded on stage
was returned ten times over from EVERY audience member who shared in a
remarkable career that deserves to be seen by EVERYONE!” -Richard Skipper
What a great performance Anita Gillette gave tonight at
Birdland, her third sold out Birdland engagement (first one ws in January, 2nd
one last week. Her career and life story in song but Gillette proved she still
has the operatic chops and the great acting ability (some of her facial
expressions and vocal impressions were priceless) and yes, the stories about
Carnival and Kelly and All American and Mr President and Jimmy were rare and
true. Beautifully directed by Barry Kleinbort and with a wonderful trio Gillette
strutted from one end of the stage to the other giving full out on every
selection. Her Berlin stories were funny and endearing and she did sing "Secret
Service" and "How Deep Is The Ocean/Remember?" in one of her most moving
memories. And Berlin's telephone call about one of her appearances on Johnny
Carson was priceless!
---Joe Regan |
JIM CARUSO CAST PARTY NEWS BIRDLAND WRITES“The fact
that Anita Gillette has never done a one-woman show in her 50-some years of
performing was a shock to me. It’s especially hard to believe after seeing
“After All,” the polished jewel of an act she brought to the Broadway at
Birdland stage on Monday night. Living life in front of adoring fans has clearly
taught her well – she is as comfortable being herself as we are watching her. In
the slick, Barry Kleinbort-helmed ninety minutes, she gave us an intimate,
behind-the-scenes look at her career and personal life – complete with songs she
introduced on the Rialto and loads of dishy stories about co-workers as
disparate as Merman, Berlin, Cher and Tina Fey! Of course, the place was packed
with showbiz royalty. Musical director/arranger Paul Greenwood deserves special
mention for deftly accompanying Gillette and leading the wonderful band. So many
thanks to Gillette, Kleinbort, Greenwood, and company! Come back soon!”
