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| John Cameron Mitchell Photo Courtesy Pittsburgh Cultural Trust |
Not
that I am that much of a David Bowie fan, but I was cajoled into getting
tickets to John Cameron Mitchell’s show Queen Bitch, which played last evening
at Pittsburgh’s Byham Theatre for a one-night stand. When Bill Rockwell saw the
announcement for the show, he begged me to get tickets for the one-of-a-kind
evening of songs and stories spanning the glam rocker’s oeuvre.
Headliner
John Cameron Mitchell of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Shortbus and How to Talk to
Girls at Parties fame payed tribute to all things Bowie with a raucous five-piece
band, including Tony and Grammy® nominated music director of Broadway’s Hedwig
and the Angry Inch and Stereophonic, Justin Craig.
Adding
spice to the concert was international cabaret star Amber Martin who provided, to
me at least, the evening’s highlight setting fire to the stage with “Fame” and “Ziggy
Stardust.” Her almost gossamer, thigh length muumuu several times rose up with
a breeze exposing a panty hose clad derriere, which added to her risqué image
and the amusement of the crowd.
According
to Bill, Cameron’s choice of songs were all familiar to him, except for his
1970 “Conversation Piece.” For his age, 62, the American actor, playwright,
screenwriter, singer, songwriter, producer and director certainly was all over
the stage, romping with energized agility, seemingly with effortless singing
and gyrations that expanded his range to the back of his band and down into the
audience. (Bill, from his aisle seat, missed shaking his hand by a single row).
Not
one too familiar with the world of fashion, I was perplexed by Mitchell’s choice
of outfit, a white coat over dress ensemble. I had expected something more
dazzling.
One
thing I missed hearing was his narrative, something Bill later admitted he had
a hard time hearing as well, despite ample amplitude. Members of the audience,
however, seemed catch every word, judging by the laughter that frequently poured
into the auditorium.
His
appreciative audience, after a 60-minute non-stop concert, begged for more, and
Mitchel and company awarded them two additional Bowie compositions.
Bill
wasn’t disappointed. In fact, he was ecstatic. I, on the other hand, had just enough Bowie to last me
through the rest of 2025.
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