Mardi Gras at Chez Josephine
Last week, iconic Chez Josephine played host to a Mardi Gras celebration helmed by newcomer Abigail Aldridge. Accompanied by MD/veteran jazz pianist Kuni Mikami, bassist Hide Tanaka, and New Orleans saxophonist Calvin Johnson, Aldridge strutted a narrow path between tables sidestepping waiters with palpable zest. The host/vocalist was bedecked in red sequins, teal opera gloves, glitzy jewelry, a fat feather boa, and headgear worthy of, if slightly smaller than that of a Ziegfeld girl.
Featured songs included, in part, “Let the Good Times Roll” (Sam Heard/Fleece Moore), “St. Louis Woman” (WC Handy), – Josephine Baker was from St. Louis – the traditional “Wade in the Water,” and, of course, “When the Saints Go Marching in.”
Barbara Amour sang Louis Alter/Eddie de Lang’s classic “Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?” to languid, swinging-hammock tempo with tripling sax. Phrasing was right on. Bob Thiele/George David Weiss’ wistful, if less apt “What a Wonderful World” was rendered by Richard Yarrell III with appealing flannel delivery. Calvin Johnson offered a swinging solo medley showcasing musical roots.
Amber Lyons
Dancer Amber Lyons, who facially resembles Baker, twirled, bounced, dipped, kicked, and shimmied her way up and down the aisle dripping in gold, replete with a period flat, halo hat and dazzling smile.
Photos courtesy of the production
Opening: Richard Yarrell III, Abigail Aldridge, Barbara Amour
Chez Josephine, a mainstay on theater row, maintains its superior kitchen and excellent service.
