Linda Lavin: Love Notes at Crazy Coqs ☆☆☆☆☆
What do Nicole Kidman, Kermit the Frog, Dean Martin, Stephen Sondheim, Neil Simon and Antony Newley have in common? They have all worked with the fabulous Tony and Golden-Globe-winning actress and singer, Linda Lavin. Known to millions for playing the title character in the ground-breaking US sitcom Alice, Ms Lavin made her London concert debut last night at Brasserie Zedel’s intimate circular cabaret space Crazy Coqs in Piccadilly.
The last time Ms Lavin performed in London was about 40 years ago when she guest-starred in an episode of The Muppet Show, and famously was the first person ever to hit Miss Piggy. Now she’s back, aged 84, and as dynamic and effervescent as ever, with a sparkling cabaret show ‘Love Notes’ in which she sang her renditions of often humorous, sometimes camp, songs about love and relationships by Peggy Lee, Cole Porter, Stephen Sondheim, Duke Ellington, and Tom Jobin. She is note-perfect, with clarity to her voice that few people 50 years younger could achieve. Her commanding show is peppered with funny, joyful anecdotes from her 60 years on Broadway, and in film and TV. She was accompanied on stage last night by a talented jazz quartet that included the brilliant violinist Aaron Weinstein and pianist Billy Stritch, the confidant, musical director, and piano player for Liza Minelli.
Ms Lavin falls into that category of iconic NY female Jewish entertainers such as Bette Midler, Barbara Streisand and Joan Rivers and combines talent, old-school glamour, wit and self-deprecation. She can also tell a naughty joke with a twinkle in her eyes. She maintains an inspiring lust for life. A thoroughly entertaining slice of New York brought to London. Come back soon!
Linda Lavin’s new album, Love Notes is now available on Amazon. Her final night’s show is tomorrow night
at Brasserie Zedels’ Crazy Coqs in London’s Piccadilly.
Queerguru’s Contributing Editor Ris Fatah is a successful fashion/luxury business consultant (when he can be bothered) who divides and wastes his time between London and Ibiza. He is a lover of all things queer, feminist, and human rights in general. @ris.fatah
