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Kaye Serves Up the Laughs for Pediatric AIDS Benefit
Fun times for a good cause at "Ex-hoodlum" Jagger Kaye's annual benefit show for pediatric AIDS.
by
Peter McNichols
January 4, 2004 |
I knew I was going to have a different theatrical experience when I was invited to see the annual holiday benefit A Very Jaggered XMAS 2003 by Jagger Kaye, a self-described "ex-hoodlum." The show began with an intro by Jagger, who told the audience how the show almost did not happen due to some participants showing up late - and some not showing at all - within the past few days.
You could see his frustration when he blurted, "I guess they forgot this was a charity show for children with AIDS."
His monologue segued perfectly into the first one-act called A Wonderful Miracle On 44th Street, which featured Kaye, Dale Hartwig, Walter Ramin and Wild Bill. The scene brilliantly played off Kaye's monologue about how frustrating irresponsibility can be when putting a show like this together. The audience was applauding and laughing with every line of dialogue. It was obviously a strategic scene that let the audience "in" on the show.
Next up were singer Melissa Hamilton and her pianist Malcolm Hunter, both in top form. Klaatu, an improv troupe was the following act. The audience was very receptive, as the five members, lead by Greg Sullivan, were very entertaining.
An original piece followed, entitled "Dreaming Of A Black Christmas". Three African-American homeless men (Lee "Scout" Ford, Matthew Morgan and Rick Younger) banged on the door of the racist "Mr. White" (played by Kaye), to sing Christmas carols. They instead ruined his viewing of his favorite movie starring The Rat Pack. After guzzling a beer and falling asleep, he awoke to find Ford, Morgan and Younger transformed into Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. The last knock brought in Sammy Davis Jr. (played by Walter Ramin, who is Caucasian). It was a perfect balance of seriousness, music and comedy and was an incredible vehicle for Kaye to show off his duality of nice guy/tough guy.
Stand-up comedians Clayton Fletcher & Rick Younger were next. While Fletcher's material seemed more thought out, Younger has an undeniable charisma and star presence about him that kept the audience riveted.
After an acoustic jam, the finale of the evening was "Christmas On The 6", about a subway train breaking down minutes before Christmas. It featured an ensemble of over a dozen cast members, including everyone from the prior acts. Each character was unique and it was perhaps the most enjoyable 15 minutes I spent watching live theatre in years.
The evening was an impressive feat, and it was done for all the right reasons. I also saw two potential stars in Kaye & Younger. Both are extremely versatile and heading on to bigger and better things. Although what can be better than raising money and collecting toys for children with AIDS on Christmas?  |
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Peter McNichols is a freelance journalist who recently moved to NYC within the past year. He is a FSU graduate and has written for publications worldwide. |
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