The Skivvies: Undressed for Success

 What happens when you take two sexy and talented theater types, invite along a half-dozen of their sexy and talented theater-type friends, then strip everybody down to their underwear and get them to perform a quirky stripped-down set list of pop songs, old and new? You've got the Skivvies, who made their triumphant stage debut Sunday night at Joe's Pub! Highlights from the show included:

Jessica Hendy gave the evening's boldest vocal performance with "My Strongest Suit" from "Aida," which was the set's sole show tune.

Wesley Taylor was so sexy in his baby-blue briefs that I almost missed the Blondie moment in the "Call Your Girlfriend/Call Me/Call Me Maybe" Robyn/Blondie/Carly Rae Jepsen mashup.

Ashley Brown got the award for best use of a prop during her cover of Rihanna's "Umbrella."

Nick Cearley and Lauren Molina -- the principal Skivvies -- were in perfect harmony in matching underwear and a set list that included "Hot in Herre/It's Hot Up Here" (Nelly/Sunday in the Park With George mashup), "I Feel the Earth Move" by Carole King, "Pumped Up Kicks" by Foster the People (with Lauren's operatic riff on "Glitter and be Gay" from "Candide"), "Diet Mountain Dew" by Lana Del Ray (complete with beverages), Rihanna's "We Found Love," two originals and a sublime New Order/Cyndi Lauper mashup of "Bizarre Love Triangle" and "Time After Time," followed by an encore of the Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star."

Will Swenson slipped into something more comfortable for his take on Lil John's "Get Low," which also featured Lauren's cello line from "Low Rider" by War.

Susan Blackwell was a delight on the "Good Day Sunshine/Burgundy Shoes" Beatles/Patty Griffin mashup (Michael and I couldn't decide if she was more young Carol Burnett or young Ruth Buzzi, but we loved her just the same.)

Mitch Jarvis and saxaphonist Andy Gutauskas gave the bear set plenty to growl about in black-leather jockstraps while doing an over-the-top version of George Michael's "Careless Whisper." (Like there's any other kind!)

Afterward, it was great seeing the evening's stars, although I forgot to ask Nick and Lauren if the encore had been inspired by the film "Take This Waltz," which also ended on a Buggles high  ...

Also met some nice blog readers!

The show was a complete and total delight, one that needs to be repeated soon. I will keep you posted on future engagements. As compelling as the photos and the videos are, you really have to experience it live to fully appreciate it. Congrats, Lauren and Nick!

(All concert photos by Monica Simoes.)