Dietrich: Natural Duty NYC Reviews and Tickets

"An intoxicating cabaret...An eclectic event that is sure to excite...Groom brightens up the room with their effervescence...Groom takes his time, moving with an absolute precision and this level of character depth is wonderful to witness...Groom hits every note and demonstrates an impressive vocal range, whilst also using the tracks as a method to tell the story of Dietrich's adventurous life...It's funny, charming and its delicate creation makes it a show not to be missed."
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"It would probably be more apt to describe Peter Groom as an illusionist rather than a drag queen...The Marlene we saw live on stage was an illusion...Groom succinctly captures the essence of Dietrich’s manufacture...Beneath the lipstick and powder, Groom articulates the horrors of the war and captures its brutal devastation...Dietrich’s colourful private life may be studiously overlooked, but this period is explored with honesty, humour and class."
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"Groom’s Dietrich came across as a breath of fresh air, unafraid to tell it like it is. I particularly liked the frank and perceptive observations about the acting profession. The lack of sentimentality was, truth be told, quite marvellous...Groom has an excellent stage presence, and the rapport with the audience was warm and positive throughout. A poignant and provocative production, this show oozes passion. A triumphant portrayal of a most colourful life."
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"It’s well-written, delivered with panache and has a serious moral core...Groom holds attention...and doesn’t let it go for a second in the next 60 minutes...Groom and Gully have realised that this isn’t a paint-by-numbers biopic, and it’s a 60 minute show. So the bulk of the material concerns Marlene’s war work...It’s also arrestingly performed. Groom commands the stage and is the essence of Dietrich. The songs are simply and affectingly performed."
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"It would be wrong to call it an impersonation. That doesn’t do justice to the subtle, nuanced delicacy of his languid, sensuous portrayal of the singer and film star...Peter is Marlene- a faultless performance of thoughtfulness...His stunning portrayal will introduce a whole new generation to the immortal Marlene."
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"The show is constructed in the form of a concert of Dietrich’s most famous songs interspersed with insights into her life but very much from her perspective. Beautifully acted, this is as close to meeting Dietrich in real life as you would probably get...This is a mesmerising performance from a consummate entertainer about an enigmatic performer who will always remain a little mysterious—but no less alluring for that. A must see."
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"An intoxicating mix of theatre, cabaret, and drag...Groom as Marlene exuded well deserved confidence. He comfortably held the audience and created a vivid and dimensional character...At a compact and well used 60 minutes, this show is the ideal length for a one (wo)man performance and keeps the audience engaged throughout. It’s a well crafted piece of theatre that sits comfortably in its current environment."
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"A one-(wo)man performance of potency, power, and punch...Groom gives a glorious, highly authentic performance...The performance itself dynamically showcases snippets of Marlene’s narrative as it weds song with soliloquy, sorrow with sass, history and heroism...Culminating with an earth-quaking speech riddled with the ugliness of fowl experience...A multifaceted, truly marvellous show with a stupendous actor at its head. It is definitely one not to be missed."
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"Groom’s take on legendary teutonic beauty Marlene Dietrich is literally breathtaking at points...He captures every wink, every drag on a cigarette, and each sultry gaze. There’s something uncanny about his appearance...Groom has written a witty show with a touch of pathos based around Dietrich’s wartime experiences...Not only is Groom a fabulous mimic, but he’s also a deft and skilled writer as the script lurches between camp comedy and deep sadness...An absolute tour de force."
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"Groom provides an authentic and mesmerisingly glamorous impersonation of the film and stage star in both his consummate delivery of a considerable number of her much-loved songs, as well as recounting extraordinary events from her life story...Groom and his director, Gully, certainly bring us authenticity in the costume department as well as in the well-chosen and well-sung songs. A riveting and well-honed performance that offers real insights into an icon."
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