The Boomer Babes (otherwise known as Pam Peterson and Jan Slavin) were a hoot and a half in Thanks for Spanx presented as part of Davenport’s month-long anniversary celebration. The Babes offer musical ruminations on topics ranging from the post-Thanksgiving tryptophane trance to Botox, all from the Boomer (turning, gulp, age 60,) perspective. The Babes are top-notch entertainers, combining precise musicality with clever material. They are excellent parodists; in their parody of “Memory” (from the musical, Cats), the memory lost isn’t a feline's; it’s a Boomer’s wondering whether she left her keys under the TV Guide. Both the lyrics and Peterson’s delivery create a grand comic build. Their medley of commercials from the 1950s including jingles for Bosco, Rice Crispies and Oscar Meyer Weiners brings nostalgic fun. Good showmen (okay, showbroads) that they are, the Boomers also understand that an entire program of word-based comedy is hard work for an audience. Thus, they knew to place quiet moments in Spanx. Slavin’s gentle interpretation of “What a Wonderful World” introduced with personal reflections on the marvel of her new grandchild was tender and warm. Able musical director Howard Pfeifer was in command of complex arrangements adding hilarious baritone smartass.

Carla Gordon
Cabaret Scenes
November 28, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org