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Brandonna Summer Lives, Live

Written and Performed by Brandon Alter
Part of the 2016 New York International Fringe Festival

Off Off Broadway, Musical
Runs through 8.28.16
VENUE #5: drom, 85 Avenue A

 

by Alexander Douglas on 8.19.16

 

Brandonna Summer Lives LiveBrandonna Summer in Brandonna Summer Lives, Live. Photo by Rick Proctor.

 

BOTTOM LINE: Beauty queen/supermodel/pop diva/cohort to an international drug lord Brandonna Summer sings, dances, and charms her heart out in her comeback show, all while serving legs for days.

Brandonna Summer could make a trash bag look couture. Back from a six-year hiatus, Miss Summer makes a fierce comeback into the Big Apple, leaving a trail of diamonds and feathers in her wake. Complete with costume changes and neat martinis, this fiercely talented international pop icon has a story to tell, songs to sing, and a love to save.

The international pop socialite tells stories of her illustrious and dangerous past, from a passionate affair with José Ramón, the world’s (second) most powerful drug lord, to highlights of her sensational songwriting career in Europe and South America, to stories about her history as mode and muse to Karl Lagerfeld and Gwen Stefani.

Playing opposite Brandonna is Alexander Cruz, whose strong and elegant dancing is not to be missed. Brandonna is also supported by an ensemble of strong vocalists and dancers that keep this inventive show moving along. The cast operates like a tightly wound machine and supports one another tremendously well. Zach Bencal’s work behind the piano would be just as beautiful as a stand-alone piece as it is underscoring the star on stage.

The sharp writing and arc of Brandonna Summer Lives, Live ensures that the hour running time flies by, likely leaving you wanting for more.

(Brandonna Summer Lives, Live plays at VENUE #5: drom, 85 Avenue A, through August 24, 2016. The running time is 1 hour 15 minutes. Performances are Mon 8/15 at 2:30; Wed 8/17 at 7:30; Sat 8/20 at 8:45; Sun 8/21 at 5:15; Wed 8/24 at 2; and Sun 8/28 at 2 (added FringeFAVE performance). There is no late seating at FringeNYC. Tickets are $18 and are available at fringenyc.org. For more information visit brandonnasummer.wordpress.com.)

 

Brandonna Summer Lives, Live is by Brandon Alter. Directed by Aaron Simon Gross. Production artwork by Grant Nellessen. General management by Aaron Grant Theatrical. Photography by Patrick Maus. Production stage management by Margo Whitney. Project coordination by Adam Boncz. Produced by Aaron Grant, Caitlin Amos, and Danielle Faitelson. Fashion styling by Jade Yee-Gorn and Phoebe Tureen. Music direction and arrangements by Zachary Bencal.

The cast is Brandonna Summer, Carol Angeli, Alexander Cruz, Megan Rose Greene, and Shorey Walker.