The Incomparable Kiki & Herb

“Once upon a time I was falling in love, now I’m only falling apart.” When Jim Steinman wrote those lyrics for “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” he never imagined they would be brought to life almost two decades later by Kiki DuRane, an intoxicated 68-year-old chanteuse in a Bob Mackie gown retrieved from Carol Burnett’s garbage. Well, maybe he did…

Steinman’s megalomaniacal ballad–in addition to songs from Wu-Tang Clan, Suicidal Tendencies, Nirvana, Prince and Kate Bush–is tailor-made for the poignant style of Kiki and her co-dependent accompanist, Herb. Created by Justin Bond and Kenny Mellman, the world-wise Kiki & Herb can even find pathos and passion within bubblegum lyrics penned for teenagers Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. Ultimately, the magic that is Kiki & Herb lies within their interpretation of the material rather than the song itself.

“I could explain the theory behind Kiki & Herb. I’d tell you the history of cabaret and how pop culture has made it nearly impossible for the art form to continue, but that ends up sounding so pretentious,” says Bond via cell phone while having a day of beauty at Mud Honey. “It’s where all the ‘rock stars’ get their hair done,” adds Bond, quickly changing the subject.

When the topic of conversation is Kiki & Herb, writers have found creative ways to describe the unique duo. Harper’s Bazaar declared them “cabaret’s answer to

The Blair Witch Project: no budget, lots of underground buzz and so frightening to watch.” Vanity Fair likened Kiki to “Connie Stevens after 17 martinis.” Andy Warhol’s Interview saw her as “Ethel Kennedy at a party, doing Ethel Merman, channeling gritty performer Ethyl Eichelberger.” Genre christened Herb “Liberace in a K-hole.” Others have discovered bits of The Captain & Tennille, Steve & Eydie, Sid & Nancy, and even Donny & Marie lurking within the artistry of Bond and Mellman. “One of my favorite reviews called Kiki ‘a combination of Bobby Darin, Eydie Gorme, and Judy Garland–three days before she died!'” laughs Bond as a hairdresser adds highlights to his auburn mane.

Kiki came to life several years ago when Bond was asked to host an event for MTV. “Kenny and I were going to a rave party afterwards,” remembers Bond. “I wanted to create a character who didn’t need to look pretty. I ‘introduced’ Kiki to Kenny and said, ‘You can be Herb!’ He just looked at me.” The astonished expression developed into an acclaimed act that weaves pop and alternative music with biographical banter and social commentary. The duo has played London, Toronto and Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, as well as the New York hotspots P.S. 122 and Flamingo East. Kiki & Herb are currently performing weekend shows at Fez.

In their latest creation, Playing for Time, they reminisce about a concert tour that took them across Europe and finally to Hitler’s birthplace. As in previous productions (Have Another, Do They Know It’s Christmas and Now, Where Were We), the current show offers fascinating glimpses into the fictitious lives of the couple who met in a mental institution and went on to headline cabaret rooms throughout the world. “I’ve spent days and years in this woman’s life!” claims Bond, getting ready to be shampooed. “It’s fun to make it real for me. During opening night of Playing for Time, I threw in little shockers about Kiki–some even surprised Herb!”