{"id":370526,"date":"2025-07-18T11:14:34","date_gmt":"2025-07-18T15:14:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dctheaterarts.org\/?p=370526"},"modified":"2025-07-18T11:14:34","modified_gmt":"2025-07-18T15:14:34","slug":"2025-district-fringe-review-are-you-out-of-your-mind-by-oren-levine-and-barbara-papeldorp-4-stars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dctheaterarts.org\/2025\/07\/18\/2025-district-fringe-review-are-you-out-of-your-mind-by-oren-levine-and-barbara-papeldorp-4-stars\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 District Fringe Review: ‘Are You Out of Your Mind?’ by Oren Levine and Barbara Papendorp (4 stars)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"G<\/span>et ready to be charmed by the warm and witty cabaret-style duo of Oren Levine and Barbara Papendorp in their American-standard-style set, Are You Out of Your Mind?<\/em><\/p>\n

Mainly featuring the original lyrics of Levine, a jazz pianist, the songs speak to relationships between men and women in the bright, toe-tapping phrases of Cole Porter, Kander and Ebb, or even at the brightest moments, Stephen Sondheim. While I wished that there was a more cohesive narrative arc to the set (an early song relating to COVID and being able to see one another in person felt awkwardly dated), there is a snappy range of solos, duets, and patter. Papendorp\u2019s bubbly renditions hit all the right notes, especially on the comic moments.<\/p>\n

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Courtesy of ‘Are You Out of Your Mind?’<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

High points of the revue were the duets, notably \u201cHow Do You Have a Conversation?,\u201d which showcased the smooth and engaging chemistry between the two, who have performed together across the DMV for over 15 years. Levine\u2019s solo performance of \u201cThe Last Banana,\u201d confessing to just that fact, was punchy, fun, and showcased this veteran cabaret performer\u2019s charm, topped off by a porkpie hat and gravelly voice. \u201cNo Ducks,\u201d for Papendorp, provided a poignant solo moment to highlight her dramatic range as she sang about aging and carrying on.<\/p>\n

If you’re looking for a show with edge, angst, or profound insight into the human condition, this is not it. Are You Out of Your Mind?<\/em> is more of a funny retort, not a question for our anxious times.<\/p>\n

If you are looking for a delightful, upbeat revue, this is it. At just under an hour, it\u2019s an easy-listening aperitif for any evening.<\/p>\n

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Are You Out of Your Mind?<\/em>
\nA cabaret by Oren Levine and Barbara Papendorp<\/strong><\/p>\n

Running Time: 60 minutes<\/strong>
\nDates and Times: <\/strong><\/p>\n