BWW Reviews: Jane Krakowski in Concert - A Funny, Sex Kitten Romp

 

On March 31 the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts presented Jane Krakowski's cabaret show as part of their Broadway series. Jane Krakowski is a veteran Broadway performer, who has appeared in productions ranging from "Grand Hotel" to "Nine", for which she won a 2003 Tony Award. On screen, Krakowski is best known for her roles as a man-eating office assistant in "Ally McBeal," and as Jenna Maroney on NBC's "30 Rock".

Jane Krakowski is funny. If you watch "30 Rock" you know what I mean. She has great comedic timing and her witty delivery and use of sexuality has her competing word for word with Alec Baldwin's frequent scene-stealing bravado.  Such was the dymanic of her performance live in Arizona: the audience was laughing with delight throughout and the whole night was saturated in humor.

Ms. Krakowski's selection of songs from the 30s, 40s and 50s was saucy, playful and full of double entendre. Though she thrilled with some standards, most of program consisted of little known gems from those eras. One of the highlights of the evening was her performance of "My Handy Man" with Jay Leonhart on bass. Her sexy rendition of "Rubber Duckie", while her band members blew bubbles, was pure fun and a perfect end to the evening.

Krakowski was the main star of the performance but hats must go off to Michael Kosarin, whose obvious music talents created a show that was both technically interesting and entertaining. Krakowski's rendition of "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" that spun the original breathy Marilyn Monroe version into a modern fete interspersed with rap and a small tribute to Kanye West. With that number, Ms. Krakowski once again proved how absolutely funny she can be, while Mr. Kosarin proved his musical wit.

Jane Krakowksi's performance was definitely sexy and she played to that vibe by walking into the audience and sitting on one man's lap and tousling the hair of another. Not to go unmentioned is her performance of "The Laziest Gal in Town" while lounging on the piano. 

Krakowski epitomizes a Broadway star in her cabaret show. The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts chose wisely in adding Ms. Krakowski to their riveting Broadway series.

For more information go to: http://www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org/event.php?id=770