Donna McKechnie MY MUSICAL COMEDY LIFE - A Triumphant Mesmerizing Journey

Wow. Tonight Donna McKechnie held court in front of the audience at the PlayGround Theatre and none of us will ever be quite the same again. Of course, she gave our goose bumps, goose bumps. Yet so much more happened.

She transcended our hearts and our minds and anyone who entered the theatre not in love with Ms. McKechnie, left the theatre in gush overdrive about what they had just witnessed happen onstage. Donna, the performance you gave tonight was one for the ages.

After her performance in this show, no one will ever confuse Donna with being Cassie, her Tony winning role, partially based on her own life, in A CHORUS LINE. Cassie was ‘too good for the chorus but not good enough to be a star.'

How preposterous to have that same thought about the magic maker who entranced the audience in Eastern Shores tonight. At one point Donna eluded to, with awe, some of the divas who also work with the director of this show, Richard Jay-Alexander. Donna the fact that you may not have the fortune and fame of some of the other greats in show business in no way means you are not one of the greats. That can be chalked up to your life's journey, including illness and a wrong turn here and there. Ms. McKechnie, you are a true star, a sure star, a great star. In fact the word star does not do you adequate justice. Tonight you showed us the stuff of a show business genius in possession of her own planet.

Donna McKechnie in ‘My Musical Comedy Life' gives a performance that is simply unforgettable. She is ‘lovely,' gracious, enchanting, funny, electric, beautiful, and divine. Merman, Martin, Chita, Gwen, Barbra, Bette; there is a name that will be with yours in the theatrical history books and that name is Donna McKechnie.

This production is a lover of musical theater's dream. The songs that aren't classics are delightful and instantly accessible. Frankly, this critic felt himself to be in a trance from the moment Donna's offstage singing voice was heard at the beginning, until the end of the show, and yes, for a while after that. Of course she does ‘The Music And The Mirror' from A CHORUS LINE. The only problem with the number was that she did not do it twice. In fact, the entire show was too brief. It seemed the entire cheering audience wanted more.

Director Richard Jay-Alexander has done what will be remembered as one of his most treasured works with this production. The song selection was perfect, the structure of the performance could not have been any finer, and every move that Donna made was overseen with intelligence, showmanship, wit, and tender loving care. It was clear that he loves Donna and was intent on making all who encountered her, worshipful slaves. He succeeded. Brilliantly. Those of us who love the musical theater thank you for directing this vehicle for Donna. Not since Michael Bennett, has any director seemingly loved her so. It shows, ‘up there.' It shows magnificently.

Donna McKechnie is a true living legend of the entertainment industry. She has met up with a show perfectly crafted to hold spellbound any audience member.

Donna McKechnie ‘My Musical Comedy Life' is probably the greatest one woman show of its kind. Ever. Hallelujah Donna!

Donna McKechnie ‘My Musical Comedy Life' has only two more performances in South Florida, on February 13. Get your tickets and further information by visiting www.theplaygroundtheatre.com.

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