Alan Cumming 'Uncut'

11:00 p.m. Monday night — Not my typical night out, but somehow I found myself standing in a line down the block outside Joe’s Pub — in the freezing cold, I might add — to see the man who had so captured my heart a few days earlier at The New York Times Arts and Leisure weekend.  I didn’t even notice how painful my stiletto boots were (one has to make a good impression for Mr. Cumming); I was simply too excited.

11:30 p.m. — I am standing at the bar squished between hoards of tall, handsome, perfectly dressed gay men. The boots were an understatement in comparison to the scene of the evening. Overpriced drink in hand, I waited anxiously for the trill of a Scottish accent to sweep me away.

Finally, the show got underway. Alan Cumming opened with a song written by musical director Lance Horne about the “privileges” of becoming an American citizen. Thus, we were — the audience — sent cheering and laughing down the rabbit hole that is a night spent with Mr. Cumming. Hailing from Scotland, having made his way across Europe, England and finally to the United States and spanning the scope of almost every artistic arena (both planned and unplanned), Alan Cumming is one of those unique spirits that comes along and captivates onlookers with both curiosity and admiration.

Alan Cumming’s one-man cabaret show, originally entitled “I Bought a Blue Car Today” (they changed it to Uncut for us “downtown audiences”), is a refreshing opportunity for the acclaimed actor to show off a bit of his comedic abilities. Most of the program included funny stories and anecdotes about his career, personal life and the process he went through of becoming a U.S. citizen. Intertwined with songs from various famous musicals as well as popular musical artists (Dolly Parton and Mika, if you’d like a hint at his eclecticism), the stand-up nature of the program moves quickly and smoothly, allowing 90 minutes to fly by with barely a notice.

Between my experiences at the Times talk and my night at Joe’s on Monday, I think it is also relevant to mention that Alan Cumming audiences are fun audiences. A mix of Hollywood enthusiasts and musical theater junkies, people were more than happy to shout out to Alan, even prompting him on a forgotten fact at one point. When Alan forgot the words to a brand new song he was previewing for us, the audience cheered ferociously, and laughed just as hard. It is hard to imagine not feeling jovial when that is exactly the air that Alan Cumming emits. Sprightly in movement, he is both loose and fun while telling his stories, and then just as instantly impassioned and strong when he breaks into song. An especially chilling version of “Mein Herr” (Alan Cumming won the Tony for Cabaret, after all) left the audience roaring with frenzied applause and excitement…and it was nearly 1:15 a.m. at this point.

Needless to say, the people of Joe’s seemed thrilled to spend such a lovely evening with such an extraordinary talent, and Alan seemed just as happy to spend it with us. The man has a grace about him that is mixed with humor, humility, confidence and passion. If I wasn’t completely head over heels before Monday night, I most assuredly was when I hauled my tired yet exhilarated body into a cab by the end of the long but thrilling night. I think I love this man. His work is pretty great too.

Alan Cumming’s album I Bought a Blue Car Today is available on iTunes and Amazon. Alan will be seen both on the stage and screen in various projects currently in the works. For more information, visit here.