L.A. Weekly review March 3, 2006

GO! RATING

TRUE LOUNGE Phil Johnson’s one-man show is a comedic, affectionate tribute to the Sin City lounge acts of the ’60s and ’70s, when the Rat Pack crooners, and their likes, enthralled audiences in small, folksy venues. With Roy Snyder’s precise piano accompaniment, Johnson mugs, sings, jokes and works the crowd like, well, a veteran of the lounge circuit. Ethan Feerst’s subtle, directorial touches invoke the perfect atmosphere. And for you Sinatra fans, Johnson throws in a rollicking, show-closing medley of the Chairman’s greatest hits. Masquers Cabaret & Dinner Theater, 8334 W. Third St., W. Hlywd.; Sat., 7:30 p.m.; thru March 11. (323) 653-4848. (LE3)

RECOMMENDED RATING

‘Lounge' that's just a bit louche

The vaguely tacky pleasures of '60s and '70s Vegas inhabit "True Lounge" at the Masquers Cabaret. Chicago nightclub favorite Phil Johnson brings a remarkable voice and satirical poise to his cunning take on the post-Rat Pack trade.

Actually, "True Lounge" contains as much homage as sendup. An announcement from the management of "The Pan-American VIP Lounge" informs diners packed into the velour-laden venue that Johnson will be performing "for your preflight entertainment." To a thunderous tremolo from expert pianist Ron Snyder, the dinner-jacketed, benign-looking Johnson sidles on. "Hello, young lovers!" Johnson crows. "There's a lot of love in this room tonight!" As a faux-hip version of the theme from "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" segues effortlessly into "Charade," one must admit that Johnson has a point.

Johnson's baritone, here silky, there soaring, recalls early-period Vic Damone. The high-wire phrasing and pianissimos merge nicely with Johnson's sardonic finger snaps, mike gestures and tongue-in-cheek audience interaction. To see him turn "On the Street Where You Live" into a jazzy anthem while feeding a patron pizza is to enjoy a specialist in full command of his specialty.

The same is true of guest chanteuse Holiday Hadley, who makes an apt partner for Johnson mid-set. Her willowy, sultry appeal evokes Michelle Pfeiffer in "The Fabulous Baker Boys," with rock-tinged chops that put over the duets and Hadley's own original songs. "True Lounge" may be unassuming, but such droll humor and vocal gloss should have fans of the genre begging for more.

— D.C.N.

"True Lounge," Masquers Cabaret, 8334 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles. 7:30 Saturdays. Ends Saturday, then reopens April 8-29. $10 cover; $10 food/drink minimum. (323) 653-4848. Running time: 1 hour, 10 minutes