 An invitation-only preview dazzled Flushing Town Hall this past Wednesday evening. Several future dates are also scheduled for "All Tuned Up." It’s a musical revue created by Flushing favorite, Susan Agin.
The main floor was set up cabaret-style as the audience relaxed and welcomed their hometown favorite with her latest musical troupe. The five singer-dancers and three musicians mixed rhythms from several eras. A witty subplot helped tie it all together. "I tried to write a show that was truthful," Agin said. The two-act project opened with a song, "Why Haven’t I Heard From You"? in which she asks the audience why they haven’t called her lately. It sets the mood for a glimpse into Agin’s mind and heart. She’s today’s "every woman" battling with relationships, break-ups, expectations and just surviving in the year 2000. Each song, such as the classic Pennsylvania 6-5000 relates to the theme without locking the audience into a particular musical era.
"You buy a car, it comes with a manual. Most of us never read it, yet it’s there…just in case. And while we’ve all hit some bumps in the road, got rear-ended side swiped and hit head on, you’d be amazed what a fresh coat of paint and a realignment can do. Finally, (we’re) "ALL TUNED UP!", is the evening’s metaphor.
Poor Tommy Johnson is the only male in the group. He’s the target of their musical angst as he dodges every tuneful complaint with a wry smile and some fancy footwork. The group’s choreography includes several steps and a few ad-libs. In fact, the troupe is at its best whenever quips are exchanged. Susan begs Tommy for a two-step while she finds some water. Susan polls the audience as she ruminates over relationships. |
Singers Dara Seitzman, Sheila Connors and Staci Cobb bring their own special styles to the theatrical mix. Pianist Matt Gallagher, Clyde Bullard on bass with drummer Peter Klarman are fine. Their personal stories could also fill a two-week mini-series. But that will have to wait for another show.
The undisputed star is still Susan Agin herself. For those who haven’t heard her sing, she’s truly amazing. The magic has always emerged from the depth, power and sheer honesty of her unabashedly beautiful voice. It makes the battle for the next big breakthrough a determined, if painful process.
Torture That’s Worth The Ride
In today’s ultra-competitive market, being talented is just the lowest common denominator. Susan Agin describes her ongoing efforts as "torture."  The hours are unbelievably long, the expenses endless. Rewrites, regroupings and re-releases are draining. But the efforts are beginning to pay off. After all, Agin’s product is her talent. And it’s the real thing. The troupe has several gigs on Long Island and Manhattan. Their clever, cabaret approach has a niche out there that they are determined to fill. That means cutting CD’s offering video samples and preparing photos of performances. A web-site is also mandatory.
When you click onto www.susanagin.com several surprises await. A video jukebox offers a half dozen cuts from favorite tunes. Some clips from past starring roles, bios, club dates and a few more audio bytes keep her web pages current and classy. For more information call (718) 886-5732. They’re a great troupe. |
