Knock Knock Who’s There, 911, 911 Who? at the Highline Ballroom

YOU SAID YOU’D NEVER FORGET.

Of all of the ways I could have commemorated 9/11, I saw an NYC Style Political Cabaret hosted by Thirsty Girl Productions and Julie Atlas Muz presented at the High Line Ballroom with profits benefiting the Uniformed Firefighter’s Association Widow’s and Children’s Fund.

Individually, each cabaret act had its own perspective on 9/11 and the post 9/11 world while collectively, the evening played out as a tribute and commentary.

There was a general sentiment of discontent. People were not happy with where the world was headed. As mentioned by Reverend Billy and the Church of Earthalujah, people will stop at nothing for peace. Or, as MC Justin Bond said, she was glad we that those in attendance at the Highline Ballroom was there to think about these post 9/11 issues – because someone has to.

For the performances without reverie, money and exorbitance were themes. Bunny Love performed to “Young Americans,” wearing a jean jumpsuit and devouring McDonald’s hamburgers before elegantly wiping her mouth with an American flag.

Dirty Martini performed as a justice to God Bless America, having difficulty keeping the scales – filled with money – level. Tigger! went as far as to say that NYC is becoming overrun with Americans.

But there were moments of beauty and brilliance. The Stanley Love Performance Troupe performed to Madonna’s “This Used to be my Playground” with people dressed up as New York City icons including the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and Statue of Liberty. The Twin Towers danced and then said their goodbyes, embracing their fellow New Yorkers.

Julia Atlas Muz performed a crowd-pleasing number with the accompaniment of Mr. Pussy wearing dreadlocks, singing Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song” as videos of post 9/11 politics were projected. Ridiculously brilliant.

The most moving, chilling, stunning piece of the night was performed by Julie Atlas Muz and Tigger! They were dressed as firefighters, motionless, almost paralyzed.

They solemnly helped each other strip down, walked upstage, raised their arms above their heads, and let a white dust pour over their bodies, caking themselves in a similar fashion to those who were present at Ground Zero on that day.

Then they embraced with urgency and Julie Atlas Muz hoisted Tigger! over her shoulder and carried him offstage.

All in all, the show was a great tribute and a way to collectively grieve about what happened 10 years ago and to shed light how we are still coping with it and its consequences today.