QUIPS AND CHORDS
Seasoned comedian Gianmarco Soresi asked a jovial audience member at Public Theater’s cozy Joe’s Pub: “Did you go to school for musical theater?”; “What was the last musical you booked?”; and “Could you sing a little of it right now?” At first this moment is playful crowd work, but when Gianmarco summons piano accompanist Adam Cole Klepper, the associate music director of Gypsy with Audra, to play a number from whatever show the audience member asks for, you know you’re not at a typical cabaret show.
Gianmarco Soresi
Musical theater blends with standup for Theater Adult, a new series at The Public which features Gianmarco with loads of jokes drawn from his time in the trenches as an aspiring musical theater actor. He frenetically struts the stage with energy and confidence, slipping easily between his standup material and audience interaction. Having performed in the top comedy clubs and iconic NYC cabaret venues like Don’t Tell Mama and Birdland Jazz Club, Gianmarco is well-qualified to guide us through this hybrid event.
Adam Cole Klepper
An audience member performs with Adam Cole Klepper
After some comedy from Gianmarco and a song from our lucky (lucky?) audience member, it’s time for a special guest. This evening, it’s Hannah Solow, the understudy for Oh, Mary! who will be stepping into the Broadway hit Nov. 11 & 13, to sing a number and then sit down with Gianmarco for a talk. Their conversation is lively and at times hilarious as they discuss industry highs and lows, from callbacks to Gianmarco’s crowd work to reflecting on industry trends. Although the discussion was a mite long, Gianmarco keeps things moving as a competent emcee. Musical theater fans know what’s coming when Gianmarco wraps up the discussion by putting on a fedora and saying “I have to go to a prayer meeting” before he and Hannah perform “Sue Me” from Guys and Dolls.
Adam Cole Klepper, Hannah Solow, and Gianmarco Soresi
Theater Adult also features an opening act. TikTok performer Awkward Marina offered a wicked mashup of Charli XCX and Wicked. With a different opening act and a special guest, the show feels more like a live podcast recording than an intimate cabaret show.
Awkward Marina
While audiences in search of a more music-centered cabaret might find themselves underserved, Gianmarco’s mixture of music, standup comedy, industry discussion and audience participation make Theater Adult a show with a lot to offer and, given the changing roster, will reward repeat attendance.
photos by Arin Sang-urai/Photojuice Photography
Audience members at Theatre Adult
Theatre Adult with Gianmarco Soresi
reviewed at Public Theater’s Joe’s Pub on October 20, 2024
for future Theatre Adult shows, visit The Public
for tour dates, visit Gianmarco tour
for more info, follow him on all social media at @gianmarcosoresi or visit Gianmarco