A NoHo Arts theatre review of “Men, Money and Madness,” written and performed by Tessa Bell, directed by Victoria Lavan, produced by Dina Morrone, with musical direction by Paul Cady at Theatre West’s “Solopaloozola.”
I really can’t remember the last time I went to a cabaret show, which is a crying shame when you consider just how brilliant and timeless cabaret is.
Tessa Bell’s “Men, Money and Madness” is really something special, however. Something a little more than entertainment, although it is extremely entertaining. Tessa walks us through her life a little, and while she does, she sings. Songs that are happily familiar and some songs that are new, at least to most of us.
In between these wonderful and poignant songs are pieces of a life, Tessa’s life. Traveling all over the world as the child of a diplomat, she seems to have developed an observer’s eye. Always watching and wondering. She began her career as an actress in DC, then won the Presidential Award for her documentary on African American neighbourhood dislocation at SUNY Purchase, which lead to her work on news programs, for CBS’ “60 Minutes” and CBS evening news. She left a little disillusioned and created a family of her own. Perhaps it was her artist’s mind that pulled her away from the news, never to return. She began writing and producing cabaret in New York and then moved to Los Angeles to produce films.
Of course, there is much more. Her beloved brother, women’s rights, are the central themes of the show, “Men, Money and Madness.” Men and how the power they wield can be attractive as well as appalling. Money because the world revolves around it, but should it? And, madness because when you combine powerful men with lots of money the end result is the totally insane world we live in now.
Tessa Bell is the kind of woman you want at your dinner party. Fascinating, clever, charismatic and very very funny. She has lived well, I believe, a varied life, full of possibilities and adventures.
She has lost too, like all of us have. And these losses are a part of her narrative and quite beautifully placed and then sung about. She seems like a woman comfortable with herself. At peace, content to be who she is and happy to share how she got there. And this is really what this show is all about. Tess Bell sharing her story, her thoughts on the world and where we are and where we should be. She shares her story and herself with grace and humor and some gorgeous song choices. These songs feel like her own private soundtrack and you can tell that they have been her companions for a long long time. She sings them as effortlessly as she breathes.
“Men, Money and Madness” works absolutely brilliantly as a cabaret and Tessa Bell is quite extraordinary. She is a talented woman with impeccable musical taste and a truly beautiful and deeply moving voice.
To spend a little time with someone as interesting and lovely as Ms Bell is a gift, the songs are a wonderful bonus and her are band utterly brilliant, accompanying her voice absolutely perfectly.
The show only ran for one weekend, unfortunately. However, if she performs again, I suggest you grab the opportunity to see her with both hands! I absolutely loved it. Bravo!!