Photo: Craig Montague
Review by Mia Phillips
Scarlett Strauss is a historian for blonde people, by blonde people, and about blonde people in her new show Blonde Ambitions. Strauss takes audiences through a tongue-in-cheek history that has been bleached and toned, rewritten to make human history’s most notable eras platinum blonde. All the way from Adam and Eve to present day, Strauss begs the question: what if history’s most iconic characters were blonde? In a highlight (no pun intended) number embodying Marie Antoinette, she explains that despite what the history books might say, Marie Antionette called for her peasants to “let them be blonde.”
Accompanying these lessons are musical numbers, both live-sung and lip-synced, that cleverly correspond with her version of events. Featuring Madonna, Marilyn Monroe, and Lady Gaga, the talented blondes of the past and present are well represented by Strauss. Her angelic vocals make her iconic set list of songs her own. Paired with choreography, this show is an impressive display. And just when you think she has it all, add flawless makeup and a quick wit to Strauss’ list of strengths.
Blonde Ambitions is a seamless show, much like her wigs. Strauss takes us through her history lesson, transitioning from era to era in a well-paced manner. Each costume, wig, and set change is perfectly timed; Strauss even managed to pull off a wig change in the middle of the show that defied the laws of time and space.
Strauss embodies old Hollywood glamour, in elegant, red, floor-length two-piece sets, beautiful, larger-than-life wigs, and a glittering microphone. On stage she projects an alluring air to her audience. Her monologues are well memorized, yet she adds impromptu one-liners in here and there throughout the show. Her on-stage aesthetic and poise harken back to the timeless and talented beauties, of whom appear in her history lessons.
The Art House provides a perfect venue for an ambitious blonde such as Strauss. Dramatic lighting, a large stage that allows for plenty of room for choreography, stairs down to the audience, and comfortable seating; this venue is a great place to see any show, but especially Strauss’. She utilizes the large screen to project pre-recorded videos that move the story line along: dry humored confessional style tapings of Strauss and she walks audiences through hundreds of years of past events.
Scarlett Strauss is charming, quick, and extremely talented; it is evident to anyone who attends that lots of hard work and dedication is required for her to pull it off, yet she makes it seem effortless. I recommend Blonde Ambitions to any blonde person—real or fake—who wants to learn more about their roots, and more importantly how to bleach them without looking brassy.
Scarlett Strauss performs Blonde Ambitions at Art House, 214 Commercial St., Provincetown, Sundays at 5:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. through September 10 (no show September 7). For tickets ($35 – $45) and information call 404.664.1736 or visit rainboweg.com.
