What do Anna Wintour, Martha Stewart, and Kris Jenner have in common? Ryan Raftery. This week and next, Raftery is skewering all three of them with three solo shows, collectively called The Titans of Media Trilogy. Tuesday audiences will see The Most Powerful Woman in Fashion: The Anna Wintour musical, Wednesday fans will enjoy The Rise and Fall (and Rise) of Martha Stewart, and on Thursday, Kris Jenner will have her day in the sun with Mother of the Year.
Through song and heavy twerking, Raftery takes quite a bit of poetic license on his subjects, but the result is fall-out of your seat hilarity. With a full band and familiar songs, his comedy is a non-stop, rapid fire barrage that is simultaneously acidic and loving.
Raftery is a master of imitation and knows exactly how to work the stage and the room. Vocally, it is clear that he is a truly gifted singer and his full band is equally as talented. It’s rare to see a show that gleans consistent laughs from start to finish, but Raftery, along with director Jay Turton, has figured it out.
Let’s hope inspiration strikes and he continues his tributes to other larger than life personalities. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, they’ll be just as enamored with Raftery as his fans. If you offend easily however, you should probably stay home.
Ryan Raftery: The Titans of Media Trilogy runs through March 14th at Joe’s Pub (440 Lafayette Street, NYC). For tickets and scheduling, click here.