Lindsey Kraft + A Piano Present: We’ve Been Here Before theatre review – Intimate musical show
The Grace And Frankie performer blends intimate storytelling and emotionally charged songs to chart the messy realities of an open relationship
Settled in a cosy apartment living room, Lindsey Kraft shares an intimate story of her character, liv (who prefers it uncapitalised), and her messy love life. The unfamiliarity is refreshing as Kraft invites the audience to pry into a segment of liv’s life, where the unhappiness of being stuck in a reluctant open relationship is reflected in a lack of showiness and glitz.
From the first note, Kraft has the audience in the palm of her hand, with cheeky side remarks that embrace us like old friends. Her powerful performance gives emotional whiplash, going from endearingly funny to devastatingly sad, brilliantly reflected in the unsettling harmony of her music. Occasionally, the performance is halted with a check of the script, which accounts for the slight lull in the middle of an overall lengthy performance. Kraft is supported by her musical director, Ben Folds, whose musical prowess is as exceptional as expected as he seamlessly directs transitions as an almost one-man band of piano, bass and drums. We are also treated to local legend Luke Ciaramella, who accompanies with driving bass contrasted with delicate acoustic guitar, eloquently reflecting the mood. Kraft is featured several times playing piano in a single spotlight, a bold move for a novice pianist. While her tempo can vary, her harmonic knowledge, developed in such a short space, of time certainly compensates. Kraft, Folds and Ciaramella are a joy to watch, and the audience rewards them as such with a standing ovation.
Lindsey Kraft + A Piano Present: We've Been Here Before continues at The Arch at Holden Street Theatres until March 22; picture: Shervin Lainez.