Theater Review
By Karen Meister

The Algonquin Arts Theatre celebrated its debut of the Celebrity Benefit Series on Nov. 14 with the infamous puppet, “Madame with an E,” in what turned out to be an entertaining and successful night.

Claiming to be “the oldest living showgirl in Las Vegas,” Madame was in rare form with racy comments, raunchy songs and double entendres, capturing very hearty laughs from the Manasquan audience.
Madame was assisted by writer/puppeteer, Rick Skye, who is responsible for those incredibly sordid one-liners and stories, told by the Madame herself.

Mr. Skye is no newcomer to the stage. He has performed on Broadway and the West End, along with touring cities throughout the U.S. and abroad. He received the MAC Award for Best Impersonation in 2006 and Best Performance Award in 2007 at the Dublin Theatre Festival.

Mr. Skye is honored as the second puppeteer to work with Madame during her years of stardom. The first was Wayland Flowers, who actually discovered the puppet’s potential to become famous — or infamous.

They coupled in the mid-1960s, and Flowers’ intuition paid off; they were a huge success during the 1970s and 1980s. The team became two-time Emmy Award winners and was a sensational hit wherever they performed, from Nevada to London.

The two were regulars on the popular game show Hollywood Squares and made frequent guest appearances on several prime time TV programs. They continued to perform until 1988, when the popular puppeteer passed away.

The devastated Madame was at a loss until two decades later, when Mr. Skye took the act back to the stage and brought Madame back to life.

Mr. Skye took the best of Mr. Wayland, refreshed the act with his own adept ability and ingenuity, and updated the material for a new generation while still entertaining those seasoned, devoted fans.

Along with Madame and Mr. Skye came a very talented musician and sort of stand-up comic, Michael Ferreri, who bantered back and forth with Madame while playing a fabulous collection of songs on the piano. He is a delightful addition to this talented trio.

If you don’t mind some expletives and some pretty “raw material,” then you would really enjoy this unique act. Madame almost seems human, sitting on the piano, singing and retelling stories that all end in a roar of laughter. She’s just one sassy diva who can entertain to the fullest. She reminisces about her days in Vaudeville, Hollywood, her romances, marriage and rehab experiences.

To quote the caustic puppet: “I’ve been through tough times, but I’m a survivor. I always tell people all it takes is your own valet, a wardrobe staff and a masseuse. There is nothing like healing with the help of a new handler, a dry martini and a packed house.”

This production was supported by the generosity of several local eateries, including the Old Mill at Spring Lake Heights, and Brewed Addiction and Sweet Tease, both in Manasquan.

After the performance, there was a reception with delicious samples from the three venues. Champagne, coffee and desserts were served on the stage. Madame and her entourage mingled among the guests, creating the perfect ending to a perfectly entertaining evening.

As they say on Broadway, break a leg Madame and friends, and may you continue to bring laughter to all you encounter. Madame has been known to promise “something new, something borrowed and something oh-so-very blue."