TIPS ‘N TAPS
Being comfortable. A lifetime struggle when one thinks about it. All of us desire comfort in our dress, in our TV chair, in our bed and even in our seat while watching a sparkling* cabaret performance at MARTINI’S ABOVE FOURTH in San Diego. (After all, he is a star!) The man of the hour is the ridiculously talented JEFFREY SCOTT PARSONS in his solo engagement entitled COMFY. More than anything else, this show charts his complicated journey to feel comfortable in his own skin.
If one were to tap a prime practitioner of the art of tap dancing in Southern California, this young man likely would rest near the top of any list. “Shall We Dance?” questions Jeffrey as he kicks off his entertainment and the packed house at this cabaret venue answers affirmatively. Of course, the technique resounds with precision, but this singer/dancer exhibits a style that wows from the gitgo. So many dancers lack the wherewithal to project the charm requisite to sell the dance; here the issue could not be farther from the truth at hand (or foot). Jeffrey Scott Parsons oozes charisma from every pore of his being and the audience happily receive the treasures that he so generously gifts to us.
If this were the only feature of the show that tickles our fancy, then this entertainer would have created a crowd-pleasing presentation worthy of top drawer cabaret. However, it satisfies on other levels as well. Speaking of tickling, laughter wafts through the space here, there and everywhere. Take for example the video evidence of Jeffrey’s early adventures in performance leading a family rendition of “Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer” in the Parsons living room. (Watch out, world of entertainment, I’m-a-comin’ ‘round the mountains of Utah!) And the rest of us need to prepare for the joyful onslaught of talent. “Happy Days” will be here again.
What really sets this entertainment apart, though, is his personal testimony in which he tousles with the competing forces of his Mormon faith and his own sexuality at odds with precepts of that faith. The revelations define the adjective “heartfelt” and can only be appreciated in the context of Jeffrey’s own words. Enough said.
Given the above nod to religion, and this musical theatre star’s history on the stage, is it also a given that this show references the Broadway hit BOOK OF MORMON? Hmmm.
The perfection that is Elan McMahan happily accompanies Mr. Parsons on piano. And the indefatigable Jennifer Edwards handles the technical chores.
Yes, he puts on his Sunday clothes (think Jerry Herman) and sequins sparkle intermittently. At the end of the evening, the performer and the audience collectively agree that there is “So Little To Be Sure Of”. (Although this reviewer, in particular, is sure of the obvious recommendation): drop what you’re doing and buy a ticket to COMFY wherever and whenever it becomes available. Don’t forget to sport a few sequins in support of Jeffrey Scott Parson’s solo venture on the cabaret stage.
(Oh, and if the reader doubts the veracity of this review, “Moses Supposes” that you might wish to consult one of these friends or acquaintances: Lisa Dyson, Ralph Johnson, Carlotta Malone, Stanley Cohen, Jill Townsend, Robert Townsend and Andrea Williams. Also, Danny Hansen, Jacob Narcy, Joshua Carr, Ray Limon, Scott Arnold, Doris Teich, Janet Pitcher and Erica Weisz.)
Theatre Curtain Calling…Reviewing the Situation
