Dietrich: Natural Duty
Dietrich: Natural Duty
85

Dietrich: Natural Duty NYC Reviews and Tickets

85%
(34 Ratings)
Positive
94%
Mixed
6%
Negative
0%
Members say
Absorbing, Great acting, Great singing, Intelligent, Entertaining

About the Show

In Peter Groom's one-(wo)man cabaret show, it's 1942, on the battlefields of North Africa, where Marlene Dietrich takes the stage to fight the war her way, with a mix of songs, sequins, sex, and sympathy. 

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Show-Score Member Reviews (34)

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247 Reviews | 61 Followers
100
Great staging, Absorbing, Masterful, Must see, All around amazing

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. Read more

762 Reviews | 147 Followers
100
Delightful, Entertaining, Must see, Great acting, Great singing

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. Read more

169 Reviews | 72 Followers
99
Absorbing, Must see, Great singing, Great acting, Enchanting

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 Read more

180 Reviews | 33 Followers
91
Absorbing, Clever, Delightful, Enchanting, Entertaining

See it if You Luke intriguing cabaret

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

150 Reviews | 76 Followers
90
Absorbing, Great acting, Great singing, Must see

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. Read more

209 Reviews | 38 Followers
90
Absorbing, Enchanting, Entertaining, Great acting, This brilliantly accurate impersonation is a must see for any dietrich fan.

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.

269 Reviews | 38 Followers
90
Absorbing, Great singing, Intelligent, Masterful

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.

234 Reviews | 43 Followers
90
Riveting, Meticulous, Ingenious, Economical, Delightful

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. Read more

Critic Reviews (10)

BroadwayWorld
January 26th, 2018
For a previous production

"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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The Stage (UK)
August 7th, 2018
For a previous production

"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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L
January 26th, 2018
For a previous production

"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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Live Theatre UK
August 28th, 2018
For a previous production

"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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G
August 15th, 2018
For a previous production

"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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A
January 25th, 2018
For a previous production

"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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British Theatre Guide
August 10th, 2018
For a previous production

"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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T
January 27th, 2018
For a previous production

"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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