MORE FAITHFULL THAN EVER

According to Justin Vivian Bond, thirty-five years ago, upon hearing Marianne Faithfull’s album Blazing Away recorded at St. Ann’s Church in Brooklyn, Viv said, “Someday I’m going to play her.” Then Arts at St. Ann’s moved to DUMBO in 2001 and became St. Ann’s Warehouse.

But now, at last, as St. Ann’s Warehouse returns to its original home for this concert, Viv has achieved that dream in the same church, singing Faithfull’s songs, but only those written after 1990. In other words, “If she had done a follow-up, this would have been the set list.”

However, Viv’s show, named very appropriately Flaming September, is just as much about Viv as it is about Marianne Faithfull. Between songs, V talks about mowing lawns, working at Dairy Queen (with an emphasis on Queen), drugs, dirty phone calls and a delightfully promiscuous aunt.

Viv, who is 62, said there are not many songs written by mature women, which is what makes Faithfull’s later songs particularly attractive. Viv sang those songs with wit, humor, emotion and in three different outfits spectacularly lit by John Torres. When not singing, V offered advice and opinions that were priceless. “I like younger men because statistically most of them are.” The first time is a mistake, but the second time is stupid, and there’s nothing in between.

Surrounded by St. Ann’s gorgeous stained-glass windows and Gothic Revival interior, it was especially delicious and disorienting to watch Viv strut down the aisle, flirting with men and women alike, warbling about “Sex with Strangers.” And her rendition of “Sister Morphine” was exquisite.

Viv sang waltzes, ballads and jazz with the same deep, sexy voice and enchanting style. Directed by Daniel Fish, the chanteuse was backed by Matt Ray on piano, Nath Ann Carrera on guitar, Bernice “Boom Boom” Brooks on drums and Claudia Chopek on violin.

Viv claimed to have made her performing debut in a Christmas pageant and believes that might be why V felt so comfortable in a church. But there’s something more here. People like Viv may be the ones who truly understand the expansive, loving and generous message of Jesus, and like the disciples, is spreading the good word.

photo by Adrian Dimanlig

Flaming September
Justin Vivian Bond
St. Anne’s Warehouse
St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church, 68 Clinton St. in Brooklyn
1 hour, 45 minutes, no intermission
played September 24-28, 2025
reviewed on September 28, 2025