The premise of Diva Battle is intriguing: Michele Cason and Tomica Jenkins are contemporary African-American actresses who compete at many auditions. Each has lost roles to the other, regarding the other simultaneously with empathy and contempt. At this particular “audition,” the directors require our divas to participate in a musical “bake off,” with each drawing assignments from a fish bowl. In cabaret terms, what is unusual about Diva Battles is that its dialogue and through story becomes its best asset. That is not to say that some of the musical numbers didn’t land nicely. The duets in particular are entertaining, including “Class” from the musical Chicago and “Schadenfreude” from Avenue Q.  While Tomica Jenkins is powerful in “The Oldest Profession,” starting it with a lighter foot on the gas would have led to better dramatic build. For a debut cabaret, Diva Battles does fine. Cason, in particular has some genuine acting moments.  The ladies are an entertaining duo and doubtless in their next show, the pitches will be a little cleaner, the diction a little clearer and Cason’s dress will fit better. The resolution of the casting quest is a hoot:  the directors decide on another vision, preferring not to cast our divas, but selecting Kristin Chenoweth instead. Near the end of the show, the two actresses find an affectionate bond, yet, make their exit squabbling. For my money, I would have preferred the show end on a tender note.

Carla Gordon
Cabaret Scenes
September 26, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org