We went to see Alan Cumming’s solo show last night. Walking in, I was kind of lukewarm on Alan Cumming. I mean, yes, he’s cool and hip and played Nightcrawler, but…meh. (And my “meh” I mean the Anniversary Party made me want to tear my eyes out and once I saw him at a cafe in NY and thought he looked vaguely smug.) So I was not expecting the wave of ohmygodiloveyouyouarethecoolestletsbebestfriendskeepsingingforeverrrr that hit me as soon as the show started.
He was charming, he was fun, he sang the pants off some songs — all of them really interesting choices. For instance, every squeaky 18-year-old Kristen-Chenoweth-hopeful who wants to sing Taylor The Latte Boy should be forced to watch Alan Cumming do it first. I mean, that song makes me want to murder myself, but his version practically — practially, ya’ll — made me cry. But like in a laughing “yes! Yes! We’re all ALIVE!!” way? Like you’re skipping with a baby unicorn? Like that. Taylor The Latte Boy. What? I KNOW!!
My one complaint is about the woman seated behind us — the early “woo“er. She seemed to have a lot invested in being the first sound heard after every song, so as soon as the final note was finishing she’d scream out a big “WOOOO”. Like he made a song touchdown. To be fair, it was probably really important to Alan. He was probably up there on stage thinking “I wonder if Denise at the back of the balcony likes this song. How will I know?” And then she’d “Wooooo” and he would know. She does. She does like you Alan.
Yay!
2:18 — I die.
Yes.
Great post! I’ve always felt the same way about Alan Cumming, neither here nor there. But this clip is damn good! Charming as hell. Seeing this, and knowing your own performances, it’s painfully obvious you too, would be right up his alley. He would loooove you.
he was in tin man too!!! much better performance than nightcrawler.
Word up! I’ve never heard of this song and now I feel I’ve seen the definitive version. What fun! Thanks for posting.
Yeah, he’s uber-cool.