American Conservatory Theater presents the return of the duo — who met and debuted their alter-egos 20 years ago in the California city. Performances of the road show — jokingly referred to (on the duo's website) as "The Year of Magical Drinking tour" — play through July 29.
The A.C.T. run follows the recent Boston launch of the tour, which is also slated to hit Australia's The Studio @ Sydney Opera House (Oct. 26-Nov. 10), Washington, D.C's Arena Stage (March 6-April 6, 2008). In addition to those confirmed venues, a production spokesperson told Playbill.com negotiations are underway for stops in Chicago, Philadelphia, Santa Fe and Seattle. Producers are also looking into the possibility of a West End engagement.
Written and performed by Justin Bond and Kenny Mellman, "Kiki & Herb Alive on Broadway is comprised of unique renditions of popular songs by writers ranging from Gnarls Barkley to Radiohead to The Cure, peppered with political barbs and social observations."
Following an Off-Broadway gig, a Carnegie Hall concert and a national tour, the downtown New York City faves brought their act to Broadway Aug. 11, 2006, for a limited run that opened Aug. 15 to positive reviews.
Among the songs performed — in their own unique way — are "Celebration" (by Schmidt/Jones from the musical Celebration), "Don't Believe the Hype" (Public Enemy), "Same Old Lange Syne" (Dan Fogelberg), "All Over Town" (The Magnetic Fields) and "Take Your Mama Out" (The Scissor Sisters). The original Broadway design team for Kiki & Herb Alive on Broadway returns, featuring Scott Pask (set), Jeff Croiter (lighting), Marc Happel (costumes) and Brett Jarvis (sound).
Original Broadway producers Jonathan Reinis, Inc., David J. Foster, Jared Geller, Ruth Hendel, Billy Zavelson, Jamie Cesa, Anne Strickland Squadron, and Jennifer Manocherian and associate producers Gary Allen & Melvin Honowitz also present the tour.
Justin Bond and Kenny Mellman created Kiki & Herb in 1992 and have been embodying their respective alter-egos ever since in various shows. The infamous twosome make their way through a number of songs, occasionally taking the off ramp into the brash and boozy bio of the "septuagenarian" (as her press release states) Kiki. As she "drags" us through those unforgettable moments, her shy straight man accompanist Herb tickles the ivories. Previous works include Kiki & Herb: Coup de Theatre, Jesus Wept and There's a Stranger in the Manger!
Tickets are available to Kiki & Herb Alive on Broadway at A.C.T., 415 Geary St. in San Francisco, CA, by calling (415) 749-2228. For more information visit www.act-sf.org.
