Dietrich: Natural Duty

See it if you like Marlene Dietrich or want to learn more about her and listen to some of her very best songs performed very much like Marlene did.

Don't see it if you don't like 1-man shows or small cabaret settings.

Also I love everything about Marlene Dietrich and didn't know what to expect but Peter Groom's interpretation is really amazing!! I loved it from start to finish, how Marlene Dietrich's story is told intermixed with all the songs I love soooo much. And my husband (who likes Marlene Dietrich but doesn't love her as much as I do) loved the show, too. We are very sad that we saw it on closing night, since we would have come back with friends and to hear these lovely interpreted songs again which really very much sounded like sung by Marlene herself. Hopefully the show will come back sometime so that we can see it again!!... Read more Read less

See it if If you like Dietrich you may/ like the show. In a small Cabaret setting. Tell us a little bit about her alot more of her war time.

Don't see it if If you don't like a Cabaret setting or you don't like Dietrich.

Also Sounded alot like her plus with mannerisms too, with the way body moved. It was so closes to the real Dietrich. Starts with her starting in film alittle and deal with alittle with the WWII.... Read more Read less

See it if You are a fan of Marlene Dietrich, and/or love pitch perfect one person theatre. Truly an incredible performance.

Don't see it if You have no sense of culture, or like seeing what lies beneath the surface of a legend.

Also Peter Groom is a marvel to witness in this profoundly focused, nuanced & heartfelt tribute to Marlene Dietrich. The simplicity of the staging, with just the slightest shift in theatrical devices, is extraordinary in its effectiveness to propel this wonderful piece of theatre into something much more than a "drag" performance of a legend. I laughed and was moved to tears by the depth of emotion portrayed. All while staying true to what we know of the physical traits of Ms. Dietrich. From the slightest twitch to the stillness of a glare, the life behind Peter's eyes truly feels like he is a conduit to the spirit of Marlene rather than an actor simply doing an impression. I was spellbound. This is quite possibly the best one person show I have seen this year. The juxtaposition of the bare bones "comedy/cabaret" space at Soho Playhouse against the beauty of this piece and the design of the costume, wig & makeup is even more impressive in how bright the light of this show shines. GO!... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see an amazing cabaret/play, best 60 minutes with amazing repoirtere, over the top singing, acting by a drag. Kudos!!!

Don't see it if If you arent a fan of one man show,drag show,cabaret style theater,small theater, bare bone stage, not into story based on historical person

Also A must see!!!! You will not regret this.
THE Only reason I did not give 100 is because of the downstairs theater, very small and no standing room when it is cold outside... Read more Read less

See it if you will enjoy a mind-blowing performance offering an extraordinary retrospective on Dietrich's life, with Peter Groom inhabiting her body.

Don't see it if You will not enjoy a non-glitzy performance, do not like drag, or are not a fan of Dietrich. But, seriously, this was a fantastic show!

Also Groom is stunning with absolutely bewitching eyes and captures Dietrich's with astounding skill.... Read more Read less

See it if You Luke intriguing cabaret

Don't see it if You have no interest in the story of the protagonist..

See it if You are intrigued by watching an incredibly talented performer embody the legendary Marlene Dietrich for just over an hour.

Don't see it if A one woman/man show mixing songs and the life of Marlene Dietrich in an intimate theater doesn’t appeal to you.

Also Peter Groom gives an amazing performance. Despite what you would expect from this being a “drag” show, the impersonation is never over the top. It feels incredibly real, like actually watching a cabaret show starring Dietrich. I thought it was the perfect balance of song and story. I was enthralled from beginning to end.... Read more Read less

See it if Not just the voice and the costume, but every look, every gesture, every movement is astonishingly spot on; so if you're a fan, pounce!

Don't see it if If you don't know about the divine Marlene, spend some time with Google and YouTube, then you may deserve to see this amazing performance.

See it if You like Marlene Dietrich, cabaret music, sparkly dresses, expressionistic makeup, WWII history, or classic Hollywood.

Don't see it if You hate drag performers? Honestly, this thing is a delight start to finish, so I'm having a tough time finding a reason to not see it.

See it if you appreciate classic drag (Marlene, icon) and structural inventiveness. There are times when you feel like Dietrich herself is present.

Don't see it if you have an issue with stairs. You'll need to climb up to get to the theater then climb down to get to the performance space. Otherwise, go.

Also Memorable Line: "Falling in love again / Never wanted to / What am I to do / Can't help it"... Read more Read less

See it if for the phenomenal performance of an illusion within an illusion. A man playing a woman, an actor recreating a legend. And bits of history.

Don't see it if If you dislike solo shows, the stylized singing of Marlene Dietrich or basement club settings

See it if You are a fan of Marlene Dietrich, are interested in movie and World War II history

Don't see it if You dislike one person and short productions. (this show was only about one hour long.)

Also Very interesting story about part of her life. Peter Groom was great in his impersonation of Ms. Dietrich.... Read more Read less

See it if You love DIETRICH. A lovely bittersweet piece delicately handled. Her gown is magnificent so sit close.

Don't see it if If you’re looking for a happy little romp.

See it if you have any interest in Dietrich or World War II.

Don't see it if you do not like solo shows, or are expecting a feel-good drag show: this is highly enjoyable, but sobering.

Also This is a perfect show of its kind. Peter Groom, understanding how subtle a talent Dietrich was, where the cock of an eyebrow could cause an earthquake, has emulated his muse in performance technique. And he has focused most of the show (a set of hallmark songs separated by wry, dry, occasionally unguarded narration) on Dietrich's wartime service as entertainer to the Allied troops across the African & European fields of battle. That a woman considered the paragon of glamour should find her richest, most satisfying period to be her rat-&-lice-infested war years is a great, wonderful, deeply affecting, very human paradox.... Read more Read less

See it if Virtuoso performance. Not just MD's style but her values & motivations. Her real character is even more compelling than her stage character.

Don't see it if You don't like solo autobiographies. You are not interested in an intimate view of a person of integrity who lived to inspire others.

See it if You're a fan of Dietrich. He nails her totally, Voice, look, mannerisms. You really think you're seeing Deitrich

Don't see it if you don't like drag impersonators or are looking for a full on production show

See it if You're a fan of Marlene Dietrich—or have no idea who she was. A terrifically conceived and realized presentation of a unique woman and star.

Don't see it if No reason not to unless low budget bios bore—even if exceptional & exceptionally well and seamlessly done by a fine young actor/performer.

Also Peter Groom is totally engaging, compelling and easily as seductive as the real Dietrich in this deceptively simple telling of her war years entertaining troops at the front.

With Gully's imperceptible direction and wearing a gorgeous, spectacularly understated sequined gown by Kathleen Nellis, Groom captures the essence of this complicated performer and icon, succeeding above all in creating a sense of the stillness and control that lay behind all of Dietrich's work.

Regal and statuesque, Groom creates a lasting and memorable illusion of Marlene, so appropriate since she herself created and maintained that illusion her entire career.

The script is well-paced, spare and exactly right, as are the choices of musical numbers. Groom has stared long and hard into this material, bringing us as close to Dietrich as we're ever going to get. His Don’t Ask Me Why I Cry in German is haunting, heartfelt and, like every other aspect of this show and performance, totally honest and true. Go.... Read more Read less

See it if Peter Groom is spellbinding as the film/cabaret legend. Go if you want to see an amazing performance.

Don't see it if You don’t like one person shows. If you are indifferent to Hollywood’s golden age. If you expect a tawdry rather than respectful portrayal.

Also For about three quarters of it, I was captivated. Groom’s performance isn’t a mere drag impersonation, but something far more subtle and masterful. I imagine he must have studied her endlessly. After a while, though, the piece seems to lose steam. Perhaps I became aware that so little of Dietrich’s life would actually be covered. I like that it centers on Dietrich’s role in World War II, turning against her homeland to support US troups. The story feels focused, cohesive and timely. But Dietrich is notorious for her numerous affairs, with both men and women. Except for an offhand line about Orsen Welles, that aspect of her life is completely glossed over. Some hint of her bisexuality needn’t have come across as disrespectful if presented right. It also rings false when the famously detached Dietrich finally shows some emotion. It’s the one moment Groom seems to be portraying someone else. This is an awe-inspiring performance in a good, but not flawless play.... Read more Read less

See it if A brief glimpse at the background and career of a great Hollywood icon. See it if you are interested in knowing more about her.

Don't see it if You find the material and time period dated, its 1930's and 1940's, or are not curious about Marlene Dietrich's background.

See it if Detailed impersonation of the German romantic legend.Time spent on relections of wartime performance and That Face. Best--spoken/sung German

Don't see it if Act built around the gown. Solo show. 65 min. Gen. Adm. Act framed by interview structure. Cabaret.

Also Title refers to obligation to country and to Hollywood.

See it if you like good cabaret acts based on famous actresses, brought to great representation by a perfectionist artist with memorable songs & story

Don't see it if you expect more than what a one-person performance can offer with canned voice and sound to accompany the role with aging costume and makeup

See it if you want to see a mesmerizing reimagining of Marlene Dietrich talking about her life and singing the songs she is identified with.

Don't see it if you do not enjoy one person shows or are not interest in this Hollywood legend.

See it if You want to see a one man/woman USO tribute. The songs are riveting. Dialogue about the war is too.

Don't see it if You do not like drag shows about tribute queens.

See it if You are familiar with Marlene Dietrich and you enjoy a one person show

Don't see it if You don't like one person shows, you're looking for a linear story, as opposed to a character study

See it if you're interested in Hllywd legends. Dietr comes to life to tell her story/beautifully sing her songs...while looking gorgeous. Approx 65+ m

Don't see it if you dislike solo shows/intimate settings.Could use more biog'l details. Maybe add 10m of info? Still, show is enchanting w/assured perf.