November 28, 2015 – Lena Hall (Celina Consuela Gabriella Carvajal) (1/30/1980 – ) is appearing at 54 Below following a sold out run at Cafe Carlysle in New York. She received the 2014 Tony as Yitzhak in Headwig and the Angry Inch playing opposite Neil Patrick Harris. She got her start playing in the touring group of Cats and previously seen on Broadway as Nicola in Kinky Boots.

The show was loud and exciting in which she and her 4 piece band (piano, drums and lead + base guitars) worked their way through a variety of songs showing the vast range of Lena’s capabilities. She interspersed her songs with stories of her life and demonstrating her ballet, piano and guitar capabilities, providing for an entertaining evening.

Lena has an amazing voice, but mostly was belting heavy metal, resulting in a loud, albeit melodious, evening. She did select a Beatles song appealing to the older crowd. Her stories were interesting and provided an insight into the person. Unfortunately, the “Shtick” was not polished and the stories left the audience saying … And then…..? Stories need a beginning, middle and end which must bear relavence to the song about to be performed. This needs to be tightened up.

She ably demonstrated her “belting” capacity, which came off very well, she would be served, though with a mix of genres, which she is capable of pulling off. Pieces started in a sweet melodious tone, showing her capabilities, but slowly transitioned to a loud noise. It would improve the set if some ballads / folk music were included to further accentuate her range. We get you don’t like Country, but other types of music should form part of the hour long show.

In summary, an outstanding performer who will be around at the top of her game for years to come. Her performance would benefit from a wider variety of songs and crisper “Shtick”.