For an evening of adult entertainment and fun, you can’t beat Theo Ubique’s current offering. A Borscht Belt songstress and comedienne, Annabelle Salzman kept the last name of her first husband, Peter Barth, and shortened her first name to become the legendary Belle Barth. She was primarily known for her bawdy, irreverent humor and suggestive songs, both on recordings and live in clubs and lounges from Miami Beach to Chicago, from Las Vegas to New York City. This original musical revue tells the story of the show business original who only wanted to be loved.
The ninety-minute biographical show imagines Ms. Barth, played to perfection by Bethany Thomas, confronting her demons as she tries to summon the strength for a nightclub comeback following a disastrous experience at Carnegie Hall. Throughout the evening Belle haggles and sings with her pianist (Gerald H. Bailey) and the other important men in her life, all nicely played by Courtney Crouse.
Although delivered flawlessly, the show’s songs are funny and tuneful but not particularly memorable. The best of the bunch is “Dirty Little Secrets” and the titular song, “If I Embarrass You, Tell Your Friends.” However, Ms. Thomas also displays a surprising ability to deliver a joke or tell a dirty story, which proves she has a real knack for standup comedy. Whether playing out various adult situations or portraying the internal drama of Belle Barth’s life, Ms. Thomas handles everything with her signature strength and finesse. In fact, the real reason for seeing this show is Bethany Thomas herself: she is a powerhouse, a true force of nature. The theatre community is indeed fortunate to have this multitalented performer sharing her talent on stages all over Chicago. And, thanks to Fred Anzevino’s subtle direction, this show belongs to her.
Reviewed by Centerstage!
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