Ryan Raftery is renowned for his series of celebrity bio-musicals, where he embodies various iconic personas and narrates their life stories through inventive and comedic songs and monologues. His latest installment, Titans of Media Trilogy at Joe's Pub, features Raftery portraying Anna Wintour, Martha Stewart, and Kris Jenner. In, Mother of the Year: The Kris Jenner Musical," Raftery uses a playful fictitious storyline to talk all things Kardashian/Jenner.
The musical's plot features Kris taking a trip to Laos to undergo an experimental fertility treatment. Always one to keep things interesting for the press, Kris wants a new baby to bring her attention and fortune. The fertility treatment insights amnesia in Kris, who now has to remember all her major life moments with the audience. The treatment may have caused her psychological distress, but it was successful in impregnating her with another girl. However, later in the pregnancy, she decides she doesn't want the baby anymore. She tries to obtain an abortion but is currently in a state in which abortion is not legal anymore. Fueled by her recent amnesia-induced change of ethics, Kris decides to use her fame and that of her daughters to fight for the right over bodily autonomy.
In its zany irreverence, this satirical framing of Kris's life really works. It allows the audience to laugh at the flaws of this famously disliked woman. It also creates a clever conceit to tell the life story of someone who many people in the audience are likely to know. In addition, the political angle the story takes gives someone known for their lack of morals a redemptive arc and makes it easier to root for her. It shapes a play that feeds into the very monster that created a family who is famous just for being rich and famous into a play with a strong point of view.
Raftery plays a version of Kris Jenner that is drag in all aspects. He is a ball of energy onstage and a magnetic presence. His vocal skill is impressive as he covers a wide array of musical artist's work (from Judy Garland to Beyonce to Bruno Mars) in his parodies. His comedy is always delivered to a response from the audience, who are engaged and invested throughout. He has grown a reputation for a reason; he is a strong force in telling solo stories in incredibly unique and fun ways.
The live band was talented and entertaining. Their performances boosted the overall production in their timing and perfect underscoring of the over-the-top story unfolding onstage. Brandon James Gwinn's musical direction brings the play to the next level. Without the music, the show would be totally different and not nearly as enjoyable.
For fans of pop culture and celebrity impersonation, this show is not one to miss. It is a fun night of live performance that asks you to take it as un-seriously as it takes itself -- a fitting portrayal for a very unserious woman, mother, and media icon.
“Mother of the Year: The Kris Jenner Musical”
Stageplay & parody lyrics written and performed by Ryan Raftery
Story by Ryan Raftery & Ryan Raftery
Directed by Jay Turton
Musical Direction by Brandon James Gwinn
February 27 - March 14, 2024
Joe's Pub (The Public Theater- 425 Lafayette Street- NYC)
Carmen! is a trans-multimedia artist specializing in playwriting, acting and crochet. Originally from Jacksonville Beach, Florida, they are currently based in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, returning to their Atlantic Oceanic roots. Their play Taking the Plunge has been performed at the Tank and the Chain off-Broadway and in the 2023 Fresh Fruit Festival slated this June. Carmen has also worked in front-of-house and technical positions for prominent theater organizations including New Dramatists, Portland Playhouse, Emursive and Future Proof. Carmen’s mission is to use play to create meaningful representation by and for underrepresented communities. For more information on Carmen! Follow them on socials @carmenacetosociety or check out www.carmenburbridge.info