Happy Pride! Celebrating this month in song, Robert Bannon returns to 54 Below for his second annual Pride cabaret, Robert Bannon’s Pride Playlist.
Accompanied by a band he calls "The Allies," Bannon is joined onstage by musical director Yasuhiko Fukuoka at the piano, band members Wesley Bourland (Bass), Mitch Bowers (Drums) and David Cinquegrana (Guitar) and background singers Sam Foti and Kris Carrasco. The group starts the show by paying tribute to pop divas. Bannon also performs fun mashups of popular songs and a collection of old theme songs. The show ends with a heart-touching original song, "I Think He Knew," composed by Matt Gould. Bannon's vocals are superb; he hits every note and is a joyful presence onstage. He is joined by a collection of special guests, Mauricio Martinez, Robbie Rozelle and Natalie Joy Johnson, each coming onstage for a number. In between songs, Bannon engages in fun crowd work, often about his own queer experiences. Bannon encourages the audience to dance and sing along, stirring a jovial energy up in the entire venue.
While the audience work in the show lifted the spirits of the overall piece, the show could improve with interjections that build a stronger plot structure. For example, at the show's start, if the dialogue focused more on Bannon's struggle to find pride in his authentic self, the show's trajectory could be about cultivating that sense of self-acceptance and embracing his identity. The show already had a hint of this storyline, but it could have been leaned further into it to create a more cohesive throughline.
I would recommend this show to fans of cabaret, pop music and queer celebration. Bannon leaves his crowd full of joy and swelling with pride for the rest of this month.
“Robert Bannon’s Pride Playlist”
Performed by Robert Bannon
Musical Direction by Brandon James Gwinn
54 Below
254 W 54th St. Cellar, NYC 10019
Carmen! is a trans-multimedia artist specializing in playwriting, acting and crochet. Originally from Jacksonville Beach, Florida, they are currently based in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, returning to their Atlantic Oceanic roots. Their play Taking the Plunge has been performed at the Tank and the Chain off-Broadway and in the 2023 Fresh Fruit Festival slated this June. Carmen has also worked in front-of-house and technical positions for prominent theater organizations including New Dramatists, Portland Playhouse, Emursive and Future Proof. Carmen’s mission is to use play to create meaningful representation by and for underrepresented communities. For more information on Carmen! Follow them on socials @carmenacetosociety or check out www.carmenburbridge.info