The age of the Weimar Republic, a brief period in Germany between the end of World War I and the rise of the Nazis, was marked by liberal democracy and the flourishing of free spirits among artists -- many, as Jews or homosexuals, considered "outsiders." In Germany itself were Friedrich Hollaender, who wrote for Marlene Dietrich; Kurt Weill, creating songs for his muse, Lotte Lenya; and Mischa Spolliansky and Kurt Schwabach, writers of the bold anthem to homosexuality, "The Lavender Song." Later, in Paris, there were Charles Aznavour and Michael Emer. These are among the individuals brought to life in Mark Nadler's moving, highly original solo show, I'm a Stranger Here Myself, at The Neue Gallery. As Mark reveals, Hollaender, Dietrich, Weill and Lenya, as well as Mark's own ancestors, eventually emigrated to America, facts that added new depth and poignancy to Mark's performing of two Weill American theater songs, "I'm a Stranger Here Myself," from One Touch of Venus, and "My Ship," from Lady in the Dark. Mark's show represents still another step in his continuing evolution as a versatile artist, an entertainer at home with both light and serious subjects, and rather a free spirit himself.

Peter Haas
Cabaret Scenes
October 25, 2007
www.cabaretscenes.org