Cheese on the Keys

From Bill Murray’s Nick the Lounge Singer to Will Ferrell’s Robert Goulet, comedians (and audiences) can’t seem to get enough of the cheesy lounge act. There’s something uniquely American about our celebration of the lounge act, with its mediocre piano-playing, synthesizers, and corny renditions of songs no one ever really...

By Tom McFadden

August 21, 2008

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From Bill Murray’s Nick the Lounge Singer to Will Ferrell’s Robert Goulet, comedians (and audiences) can’t seem to get enough of the cheesy lounge act. There’s something uniquely American about our celebration of the lounge act, with its mediocre piano-playing, synthesizers, and corny renditions of songs no one ever really liked in the first place. Trendy L.A. bars hire lounge acts so their patrons can quietly mock them while sipping $20 martinis. Others prefer their mockery more pronounced, such as Dennis T. Giacino (a.k.a. Scary Manilow) and his traveling improv comedy show Loungezilla.

The show, born in Orlando in 2001, is a “spoof of every over-the-top lounge act out there,” according to Giacino. Loungezilla has enjoyed great success, traveling the world since its inception, and returns to the Magic City for the third time. “We’re psyched to be back in Miami,” says Giacino, who will accompany the cast on the ivories as they churn through the Scary Manilow songbook. Loungezilla arrives in Miami for a one-night-only affair this Friday as part of the 2008 Miami Improv Fest presented by Just The Funny and The Mayfair Hotel & Spa, at the Just the Funny Theatre and Training Center. Showtime is 9 p.m. Tickets cost $15 and are available by calling 866-468-7630 or clicking www.miamiimprovfestival.com.
Fri., Aug. 22, 2008

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