Varla Jean Merman

Loves A Foreign Tongue

Empire Plush Room
San Francisco, CA
Varla Jean Merman, the demented, larger-than-life diva created by the very talented writer/singer/actor Jeffery Roberson closed the fabled Empire Plush Room with her latest cabaret show detailing her mock serious efforts as goodwill embassador during her most recent international travels. With our current US image at an all-time low, why not have a curvaceous, 6-foot plus
glamazon spreading her good cheer as only Varla Jean Merman can. Through spot on satire, goofy song parodies ('My Favorite Things" and "Le Freak, C'est Chic" and hilarious video shorts (Varla mistakes her Muslim boyfriend's birthday party preps for a terrorist plot) Roberson weaves his wacky world-view with precision, humor and over-the-top camp. Her look is always fabulous, her talent unquestionable and the joy she exhibits, endearing. After closing both Josie's Juice Joint and now the legendary Empire Plush Room, let's hope she doesn't play the new Rrazz Room anytime soon!

Steve Murray
Cabaret Scenes
January 12, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org