From Tales From the Crypt to Song: Sandra Bernhard Live. (Review). By Brian Kirst
Classically odd in feature and aggressive in personality, actress/comedienne /singer Sandra Bernhard has, naturally, had several Peter Cushing moments in her career. Her varied roles include off key appearances in Tales from the Crypt, The Hitchhiker and even the leading role (as the captain of a ship) in Science Fiction-Horror hybrid Apocalypse.
Of course, all horror offshoots were somewhat pushed aside at her just completed four night run at Chicago’s classic Lake Shore Theater – although, Bernhard did mention her ‘over it’ attitude on the recent vampire craze (running down a list of every vampire presently taking over the world – from the sad to the Southern) – a circumstance that many freaky fright fans can certainly agree with.
Here Bernhard concentrated on her trademark brand of celebrity reflection as state of the world. Mixing it up with song (Melanie’s “Beautiful People” and a trade-off on Dolly Parton’s “Jolene”), Bernhard’s take on celebrity circumstance is certainly all her own and mixes a surprisingly poignancy with her sardonic wit and bitterness.
Still, the magnetic Bernhard came off best when recounting her experiences as a teen in Israel, her odd dedication to her faith and the adventures of raising her child in a slightly twisted world. Best of all, her finale performance (in ringmaster gear – naturally) of Britney Spears’ “Circus” was an audacious and amazing display. Attacking the stage with awkward high kicks and pure pandemonium-like aggression towards both the floor boards of the stage and her band – Bernhard did what she does best – created purely subversive art.
Now – she just needs to embrace the horror world freely – her vivid presence could surely liven up many a direct to DVD production giving the seductive Jennifer Tilly a run for her money.
