By Ron Hellman
If you’re looking for an antidote to the vitriol and acrimony that inflict us today, especially prevalent in the endless political campaigns, and if you’re appalled by the general lack of civility – you would be wise to seek out Mitchell Robert Glazer and his “Simply Me” one-man show.
I was fortunate to catch his performance on a recent Thursday at Marbella’s on Northern Boulevard in Bayside, and the air was filled with sweetness and light.
Glazer, known professionally as Mitchell Robert, has been performing for more than 40 years.
A Brooklyn native, he now calls Little Neck home. He has a relaxed and comforting manner, singing some original songs with titles like “Closer to 60,” “Free and Easy” and “If It Were Up to Me,” all delivered in a soothing baritone. Backed up by a four-piece band, led by veteran John Bowen as musical director on the keyboard, Glazer earned the appreciation of a responsive audience.
The evening was billed as dinner theater, which in these parts is almost as rare as a drive-in movie, but the setting was well worth it at a ticket price of only $49 for the whole package.
Approaching 50 years in Bayside, the Marbella Restaurant specializes in Spanish cuisine, and contains a spacious room for entertainment.
The theme to Glazer’s show is one of getting along with each other and enjoying all the good things that life has to offer. Much could be summed up in his rendition of a song made popular by Frank Sinatra in the 1940s, “The House I Live In,” about America, democracy and tolerance.
In between the music, Glazer delivered some observational humor along the lines of “you know your marriage is in trouble when she starts hiding your medication,” all definitely family-friendly and much of it self-deprecating. He comes across as a pleasant companion and a nice guy – hey, he even had his mother in the audience.
Glazer has a day job as the food service officer at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, so his night schedule is limited. However, if all goes well, he will be back at Marbella on May 19, and if you’re in the mood for a good time, make sure to be there.
Contact Ron Hellman at rbhof
