Imagine suffering a heart attack at the young age of 30. For comedian Cat Cohen, this was a reality, and from that experience she has created a wonderfully revealing, funny musical comedy called “Broad Strokes” that is playing at the Lucille Lortel Theatre (121 Christopher Street) through September 25. This one-woman show is a blast to behold.
It is a beautiful experience to witness how a creative mind can take a traumatic experience and channel their energy into facing it head-on and taking it to the next level of being able to make light of it. Cohen takes you through her career and that pivotal day when she suffered a heart attack at 30. She shows all that she went through and proves that when a child complains about something to their parents, they should be listened to and not made to think they are over-reacting.
Cohen’s approach to what happened to her is engaging, understandable, and therapeutic. This musical comedy will uplift your spirit, make you laugh, touch your heart, and help you come to grips with your own mortality. I love how comedians are able to find the humor, no matter the circumstances. Creative people are a gift to us all.
“Broad Strokes” has music by Cohen and David Dabbon. and fantastic direction by Alex Timbers. The songs provide a storytelling vibe and a cabaret atmosphere — she performs with a live band. The creative team behind the production does a marvelous job and includes Derek McLane, scenic design; Jake DeGroot, lighting design; Kelsey Randall, costume design; and Cody Spencer, sound design.
For tickets, visit CatCohenBroadStrokes.com.
