A solo performance by Seth Eizen with video elements by Alanna Simone, and musical direction by Sean Feit.
Robert Avila of the Bay Guardian says:
"The intimate Blackbird Funeral Parlour Speakeasy is somber-toned and deceptively hushed, complete with period furnishings, a see-through dressing room, softly flickering altar, and obligatory piano. Only a few moments into Seth Eisen's exceptional one-man cabaret, however, and the place is alive and kicking: doleful aspects of the decor making ample room for a sly, vigorous, soulful performer and a completely unexpected journey through some vibrant underground queer history (backed by fellow Circo Zero alum Sean Feit's sharp musical direction and breezy accompaniment and Alanna Simone's gently humorous and haunting video pieces). Your guide is 100-year-old Jean Malin, author of the notorious 1930s Pansy Craze, 75 years dead and looking fabulous in tails, bold green cravat, dapper purple hankie, and a topping of regal black plumage (costumer Jack Davis demonstrates a genius throughout for turning a shoestring budget into a G-stringsupported extravaganza). A multifaceted performer with quick tongue, nimble steps, and hearty voice, Eisen uses drag, dance, puppetry, and performance art techniques to give flight to worthy exotic blackbirds known and forgotten - drag queen Zen priest Tommy Issan Dorsey; sexually ambiguous Danny Kaye; Brazil's inimitable Ney Matogroso; the definitely outre Klaus Nomi; and disco treasure Sylvester, whose live rendition of the Beatles' "Blackbird" at the War Memorial Opera House is one of several standout moments in this rollicking and poignant act of resurrection, insurrection, and homage."
Buzzin' Lee Hartgrave of Beyond Chron says:
"This full-length, historical musical, depicts gay performers from the 1930's to the present... On a bare brick wall at the back of the stage black & white movies flicker as Eisen performs in front. Eisen brings back the stars that paved the way for Gay Performers with puppetry, hybrid live performance, movement, music, dance, song and storytelling... Eisen gives a brutally honest performance. It's a freewheeling romp. Not only that - he turns that small stage into a Grand Epic that gives us great insight into the world of "Queers on the edge."
RATING: THREE GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!! -trademarked-
["A Sparkling show that will get you talking. Itıs stirring and riveting."]
More press:
"Blackbird Singing in the Marginalized Gay Night" by Evan James in the SFWeekly
"Seth Eisen Performs in 'Blackbird'" by Sister Dana Van Iquity in the SF Bay Times
"Gay old time" by Josh Rotter on Gay.com