Alan Cumming brought his well-traveled cabaret show 'Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs' to the Powerhouse last Thursday and Friday night to perform a myriad of sentimental songs. The actor, singer and performer has successfully traversed between theatre, film and television over his career, even writing a best-selling autobiography Not My Father's Son. While Cumming did not have to recap his professional career for the sake of the audience, he revealed his personal story in between his earnest renditions of beloved tear-jerkers. Seamlessly weaving tales of his troubled family life, his past relationships and a glossy magazines worth of celebrity anecdotes.

 

Not too long after joining his accompanying musicians on piano, cello and drums on stage, Cumming took off his jacket to reveal his fitted shirt was sleeveless, for the only gimmick of the evening. Along with matching leather pants and tie, and a touch of eye-liner, his attire promised a sensual and shameless performance. Stories of drugs, sex and groin tattoos were comfortably nestled in between family friendly pop hits like Keane's 'Somewhere Only We Know' and Miley Cyrus' 'The Climb', sung without any irony. 

 

Cumming also delved into the adult themes, pairing ballads and anthems his own life’s soundtrack. Rufus Wainwright's 'Dinner at Eight' eased the audience after he divulged his strained relationship with his father. Billy Joel's 'Goodnight Saigon' honored his late grandfather who he never met. While seemingly being born into an indefinite tour, Cumming respected his homeland with a captivating 'Mother Glasgow' penned by Michael Marra.

 

Despite the celebrity name-dropping, charming banter and talent Cumming's unapologetically exuded, his endearing self-awareness kept him adorably relatable. He approached each song as himself, performing with such conviction and poise he found catharsis in even the most eye-roll inducing lyrics. Cumming drenched the lyrics with his Scottish accent, collected his fist before raising it in triumph, gestured to the audience affectionately, and held on to the microphone stand like he had filled a stadium. 

 

All in all, it was an exceptional performance by a man who recognizes the importance of a sappy song on a bad day.

 

 

By Will Purcell