Catherine Cohen: The Half Hour

You can't enter the Duplex's cabaret theater without being reminded of its famous past acts—Barbra Streisand, Woody Allen and Joan Rivers adorn posters and menus. At less-than-stellar performances, the presence of such titans makes for a cruel comparison. But when a real star hits the stage, it feels like she's joining the pantheon. Catherine Cohen is a stupefying talent; when she's onstage she seems to be mastering a form you didn't know existed. Watch the Brooklyn Vamp hold court at this showcase, which includes stories, poetry, standup and bizarre original songs about the fluids and functions of her anatomy. She's joined at the piano by her Cabernet Cabaret co-host, the sweethearted pianist Henry Koperski.