Tschaikowsky (And Other Russians)

Source: The List (Issue 584)
Date: 23 August 2007
Written by: Kelly Apter

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Show tunes with stand-up

Armed with a truckload of sheet music, some forgotten musical gems and a biting Jewish wit, Mark Nadler is like a male Barbra Streisand on speed. Opening with the Kurt Weill/Ira Gershwin song ‘Tschaikowsky’, featuring the unpronounceable names of 49 Russian composers, Nadler moves his lips at breakneck speed. Then, remarkably, he dissects the song, introducing us to each and every one of them.

Which sounds as dry as an old twig, but in actuality is fun all the way. Nadler’s love and loathing for each composer is demonstrated through witty anecdotes and musical illustrations. Interspersing the history lesson with little known songs from the likes of Rogers and Hart, Sondheim and Gershwin, Nadler proves himself to be not just an accomplished singer and musician, but a natural comedian. (Kelly Apter)

Assembly Rooms, 623 3030, until 26 Aug, 5pm, £12 (£10).

More: Mark Nadler, Tschaikowsky (And Other Russians), Classical (Music), Edinburgh Festivals