I have enjoyed "Nightclub Confidential" several times and was really looking forward to the opening night performance. Then the curtain opened to a hideous microphone feedback that went on and on and on. Whoever runs the sound needs to be replaced by a real professional like Brent Litch or Dan Simpson. The sound was so terrible the audience had trouble keeping up with the action. This was no reflection on the brilliant cast, who valiently tried to work around the horrid sound.
Allison Mayor was perfectly cast as Kay Goodman. She was enchanting, using just enough camp to avoid parody. I was reminded of Gloria Swanson in "Sunset Strip'. Her voice was aging chanteuse, and she looked divine. Penny Jampol was a delight as Dorothy Flynn. Her singing was wonderful, as always. These two seasoned performers have the classic dancers' moves. Their gracefulness was marvelous.
I was surprised and thrilled by Mario Lot as Buck Holden. He was just sleazy enough to be believable. This man can act. Key West has yet another star. He has wonderful stage presense. You couldn't have asked for better acting from these three, even knowing the bad sound was throwing them off There wasn't a single dropped line or missed cue.
Dean Lodes and Jake Aronin also gave good performances, although one of them was mostly off pitch. No wonder. So was the piano. The stage had obvious dead spots, and the singers had to struggle to hear the band. The audience was confused. I hope they see it again as it should be. I spoke to George Gugliotti who assured me he would make corrections. I spoke to cast members who reported that the second night was considerably better, but far from perfect. Please take some advice from a musician who deals with sound all the time. You need stage monitors and a real pro to set your micsup.
Do I reccomend the show? Indeed! The cast was marvelous and beyond professional. They knew the show cold and overcame the handicap as well as anyone could. They deserve to be seen. The production is delightful, so please check it out and tell me your opinion. Yours is, of course, the one that counts.