OK, we have the “Unsung” series on the Centric network and the OWN channel’s “Where Are They Now”. The Biography channel also does a pretty good job detailing the lives of celebs past and present. Still, if you want to get to the heart and soul of a renowned artist, nothing replaces seeing that artist perform live.
Fashion Reverie had the unique opportunity to see Broadway legend Vivian Reed perform live at the Below 54 cabaret lounge in late May of this year, and all who were there that evening—including Liza Minelli, S. Epatha Merkerson, and Freddie Jackson—would agree that Vivian Reed not only still has all the vocal chops and stagecraft, but like a fine wine, she’s gotten better over the years.
Sassy, eclectic, and full of pizazz are all appropriate adjectives that describe the on-stage brilliance of Vivian Reed. This woman was made for a life on the stage. And Vivian Reed’s well of performance credits and career accomplishments goes rivers deep.
From her Tony-nominated performance in “Bubbling Brown Sugar” to appearances in such legendary shows as Broadway’s “Marie Christine,” “Sophisticated Ladies,” ”The Roar of Greasepaint, the Smell of the Crowd,” “It’s So Nice To Be Civilized,” to her run at the Pierre Cardin’s L’espace Cardin to television specials in France to performing in “Three Mo Divas,” Vivian Reed is still kicking up her heels and making merry like Christmas.
“I love performing that is where my heart is … my career has spanned quite a few years and I can knock on wood that I have not had to take a day job. Correction, I did try a couple of primetime jobs while at Julliard, but they didn’t work out. I was made for this career path and performing,” explains Reed.
And made for performing is right!! With all the energy she releases on stage, what’s left for a primetime day job? “My mother had lots of energy. It is a natural thing for me; once I hit the stage I am on.”
Being on is putting it mildly. From her rendition of Sam & Dave’s “Hold on, I’m Coming” to Oleta Adams’ soulful “Circle of Love” to the always poignant “Strange Fruit” to Vivian Reed’s unique rendering of “Come Rain or Come Shine,” Vivian Reed’s musical performances are not to be missed!!
“Parts of the show (Circle of One, Hold On I’m Coming, Lover Man, Come Rain or Come Shine) were done years ago in Paris. I took songs I have enjoyed and revamped and rearranged the songs. I feel every artist owes to their audience to make things fresh,” details Reed.
“Now, the material does span different genres and that can be dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing. But, I interweave stories between the songs and pull from my life experiences and meander around the material with life experiences.”
Like any true stage diva, Vivian always gives her audiences that extra something special. And in Vivian’s case, one of those things is her love of fashion, evidenced in her on-stage ensembles. “My mother was a seamstress and taught me to sew, so in some way I have always been connected to clothing and fashion. While I was on Broadway [and performing in Paris,] I had fashion layouts in French and American Vogue, Mademoiselle, Elle France, and Paris Match. I was also on Mr. Blackwell’s “Best Dressed List.”
I also have a clothing line, aptly named VJ Scarves. My scarves can be purchased on vjscarves.esty.com, which is a big shopping market site. They are mostly made out of silk charmeuse, but I have some scarves in the collection made out of rayon, as well.”
Letting no grass grow under her feet, Vivian Reed’s career is ever evolving and she’s always primed for new challenges. “I have a single out called “Sexaholic;” it has a good underground, club beat with sexy lyrics. I performed it recently at Joe’s Pub, and Clive Davis was in attendance. The audience loved it with my sexy moves and all.”
Sexy moves and all, that’s Vivian Reed and some. Sugar and spice, and everything that nice, that’s what Vivian Reed is made of!!
Vivian Reed will be appearing at Below 54 on June 19. For more information, go to 54below.com.
—William S. Gooch
Your blog post resonated with me on so many levels. It’s comforting to know that others share my perspective on this topic.
Your blog post resonated with me on so many levels. It’s comforting to know that others share my perspective on this topic.
Very insightful and informative.