As Reid This... parodies the cabaret “confessional,” I was really tickled by the opening, “Everyone Loves a One-Man Show”/“Everything I Do, I’ll Entertain You.” His gives us an unerringly accurate template of any given cabaret experience, reenacting the endless list of thank-yous, including the heartfelt suggestion of over-tipping the perennially harassed wait staff.

Although a satire/parody, (with self-penned lyrics) this show WAS an account of his young life and a mixed bag at that. Following the full-length opening number was an episodic monologue mostly containing snippets of tunes rather than full-blown songs, some ending just as they seemed to start, seeming to punctuate his missive.

His introduction to the world now accomplished, I would suggest his next show contain fully realized songs and less biographical content, unless it is as compelling as comedian Margaret Cho’s. He has a good strong voice that can improve if he hits his high notes straight on. A clean-cut Midwestern appearance adds to his charm and lets him get away with being naughty and nice. The evening’s pianist, Dr. Mory Ortman, was game and on the mark. It will be interesting to see what path Reid’s career takes.

Melody Breyer-Grell
Cabaret Scenes
April 17, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org