Homegrown skit “Mr. Jones for Governor” is…unfortunately…more vulgar than it is funny. But the troupe penned “Dr. Mystery – a Space Idiocy” makes up for it. The good doctor…along with cohorts Vigo (Mak) and Fair Maiden (physical comedienne extraordinaire Katy Psenicka) always seems to cure any ills a show might have. This reoccurring piece is always outrageous and “Space Idiocy” continues the tradition. J.T. Walker III’s impression of a middle-aged Captain Kirk is hilarious. Add Joseph J. Lorenzo’s slapstick inspired sound effects with a surreal puppet show and Robert Foor’s clinically deadpan storyline reading and your side will hurt from laughter. This skit is one of those gems…no matter how dumb it is, it’s always good. So bad it’s good. And so good it’s bad.

Musically “Dirty Little Secrets 2K4” is a mixed bag. Christina Connor does a good job with opening number “Dissident” by Pearl Jam. And Noelle Grandison’s performance of Mr. Indictment’s (Michael Jackson) “Billie Jean” is more than admirable. Also Jennifer Hahn’s delivery of the Garbage tune “#1 Crush”…aided visually by some finely choreographed (Katy Psenicka) dancing to her left… is very, very good. Ms. Hahn also sings Tori Amos’ “The Waitress” which is plagued by the distraction of her playing with the hair of a seated Katy Psenicka. It was a creepy scenario. And Aerosmith’s “Janie‘s Got a Gun” was stiff instead of dangerous. Having said all this…the crowning moment of the evening…both musically AND performance-wise was the Temptation’s “Papa Was a Rolling Stone”. Sung by John Croke and J.T. Walker III…backed by house band Bill Who? and backup vocalists Amy Lay, Christina Connor, Katy Psenicka and Noelle Grandison…this indeed was a magical moment. (And I saw the original Temptations) Pulling off a number such as this takes an incredible amount of talent and panache. Even the trumpet break was phenomenal. Bravo!

So…as with most Shadowbox Cabaret shows “Dirty Little Secrets 2K4” is a wonderfully entertaining night out. And if there’s a skit…or a song you don’t particularly enjoy…well…wait a couple minutes. I guarantee something delightful will be happening to make you forget all about it.

“Dirty Little Secrets 2K4” runs through June 5th. For more information go to www.shadowboxcabaret.com