Dietrich Rides Again
Justyna Kostek stars in the world premiere of this one-woman bio-musical about legendary actress and activist Marlene Dietrich.
... Read moreLearn all about Dietrich in this solo show. She was many things: a European film sensation, Hollywood’s highest paid actress, a lifelong fashion icon, an unceasing USO entertainer, an awarded humanitarian, an international philanthropist, a Medal of Freedom recipient, an Academy Award nominee, a Tony Award winner, the patron saint of cabaret, a bewitching singer, and an international diva. The show includes many classic songs crooned by Dietrich including "The Laziest Gal In Town," "Falling In Love Again," and "Lili Marlene."
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- Medicine Show Theatre (Midtown W)
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Reviews (14)
5 Critics' Reviews
“More like cabaret than theater. This show needs to grab you from the start, and the book by Oliver Conant and Ms. Kostek seems to not know where it’s going or what it is…Instead, we get eleven songs which are unevenly performed…Ms. Kostek is appealing, but she needs to study Dietrich’s sound just a little bit more…The direction by Mr. Conant is actually well done...'Dietrich Rides Again' could be a rather interesting and well-done show, it just needs some more time.” Full Review
“‘Dietrich Rides Again'—a new play with music by Oliver Conant and Justyna Kostek, starring the latter—proposes a new, fresh look at the diva movie and stage star, Marlene Dietrich. Although it's clear that great effort and research went into the work, it is still just an elaborate, albeit energetically performed and intermittently entertaining, celebrity imitation and not very illuminating.” Full Review
“Kostek is delightful. She has a presence, knack for comedy and captivating charm on stage. You want terribly to like her and what she’s doing, but, alas, the misguided material doesn’t hang together...As well-intentioned as it may be, ‘Dietrich Rides Again' amounts to little more than flattery by imitation…In attempting to cover decades, getting to the essence of Dietrich is undercut. The result is a two-dimensional, almost cartoon version, providing little insight into her heart and soul." Full Review
"Dietrich’s fearless history deserves an audacious reiteration, and in 'Dietrich Rides Again,' Conant and Kostek reward her with exactly that...Kostek adds curiously comic, impish touches to her passionate interpretation. Her performance was greatly enjoyed by the audience...Just remember 'Dietrich Rides Again' is a work in progress. I would have liked to know a bit more about her husband and her friendships with stars with whom she worked." Full Review
“A sprightly show that tells you a lot about Dietrich that most people already know but gives some intriguing glimpses into her personal life…Kostek, who has a good voice, also sings a number of Dietrich’s most famous songs…Overall, Kostek does a fine job in the show. She tries to cover too much, though…Yet, she still leaves out huge gaps in the star’s life...There should have been more effort to showcase Dietrich as the Hollywood glamour queen that she became." Full Review
9 Members' Reviews
See it if you wish to see recreations of the performances of Marlene Dietrich. More concert then biography with fun costumes and excellent staging.
Don't see it if you are interested in the promised biography. The many songs limit the time to explore Dietrich's life in any depth.
See it if you want to know more about Marlene Dietrich. See some of her signature songs. Not too bad for experimental theater.
Don't see it if you want a fully mature production. The singing could be a bit sharper.
See it if you wish to see a very poor mimicking of Marlene Dietrich. Except for the last scene, the actress mimicked not acted the role.
Don't see it if you have seen other good actresses playing Dietrich. This was so overdone that I could not wait for the end.
Also this is a small theater on third floor. the elevator was not working a... Read more Read less
See it if You would like to see and hear a close approximation of icon Marlene through the years via her songs.
Don't see it if You expect something more than small views into her world.
Also The actress has tried to bring us Marlene. Her look and mannerisms are... Read more Read less
See it if You are a huge Dietrich fan. The singer/actress playing her is very passionate about her characterization.
Don't see it if You want to see things that don't need more development. This has potential but falls short of being fully satisfying.
See it if You love the iconic star "Marlene Dietrich", definitely you will get something of her life and career.
Don't see it if You expect to see the real Marlene on stage. It is tough to represent a legend. Justyna did well.
Also It’s so ambitious to represent someone like Marlene; perhaps she is no... Read more Read less
See it if you care about receiving an outstanding performance from a rising talent Justyna Kostek.
Don't see it if you want to lose an opportunity to see something really important
Also The actress embodies both the young and the old Marlene with rare ener... Read more Read less
See it if Great tribute to Marlena. The actress had her spirit perfectly and i thought for a moment she had risen feom the dead. Great job. Loved it.
Don't see it if do not see if you are not a deidrich fan because it really honors her and you go away feeling like you spent an evening with her.