Verbatim Verboten, Chicago Hit, to Reach New York's Fez, Jan. 31

By Robert Simonson
January 12, 2005

Michael Martin's Verbatim Verboten, a hit Chicago revue composed of the words of public figures caught in the act of speaking without thinking, will have its New York debut at Manhattan's Fez on Jan. 31 and play until Feb. 28.

The work, directed by John Pinckard and produced by Vicki Quade is described as "a hysterical, ever-changing revue of illicitly recorded and uncensored conversations from public figures. Never meant for public hearing, these words now live on through this unique live theatrical production. Like the title says, these are performed verbatim, with all of the scary and confusing parts intact. The line-up of pieces changes every night, with about a dozen pieces performed per show selected from a constantly updated collection of nearly 100 transcripts.

Among the famous whose words come back to bite them: Britney Spears, Enron and Texaco executives, Louie Armstrong, Madonna, Joe DiMaggio, Rudy Giuliani, Fred Durst, Marion Berry and Michael Alig, Jim Morrison, Orson Welles and various British royals and Mafia Dons.

The cast includes Chad Beckim, David Drake, Tate Ellington, Carolyn Ficksman, John Flynn, Molly Franklin, Gary Hall, Wayne Henry, Justin McElwee, Jonny McGovern, Leslie Meisel, Susan O'Connor, Olevia White and Tony White. Tickets are $10. Call 212.533.2680 for reservations or visit www.feznyc.com.