The Allure of Reinvention: Why We Dream of Becoming 'French'
There’s something undeniably captivating about the idea of transformation, especially when it involves adopting the mystique of another culture. Personally, I think this is why the upcoming cabaret show Make Me French by Matthew Rosenstein has piqued my interest. It’s not just a performance; it’s a reflection of a universal longing—the desire to shed one’s skin and step into a life that feels more glamorous, more sophisticated. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Rosenstein frames his journey as that of ‘a bagel dreaming of being a croissant.’ It’s a metaphor that’s both humorous and poignant, capturing the tension between who we are and who we aspire to be.
The Bagel-to-Croissant Metaphor: More Than Just a Punchline
On the surface, the comparison of a bagel to a croissant might seem trivial, but if you take a step back and think about it, it’s a brilliant commentary on cultural identity. Bagels are hearty, unpretentious, and quintessentially American—much like Rosenstein’s suburban upbringing in the 1990s. Croissants, on the other hand, are delicate, layered, and undeniably French. They evoke images of Parisian cafés, intellectual conversations, and a certain je ne sais quoi. What this really suggests is that the desire to ‘become French’ isn’t just about adopting a new accent or wardrobe; it’s about embracing a lifestyle that feels more refined, more intentional.
One thing that immediately stands out is how Rosenstein’s journey isn’t just about physical relocation. Moving to Paris was the culmination of a lifelong dream, but it was also a process of self-discovery. What many people don’t realize is that cultural reinvention often comes with its own set of challenges. Rosenstein’s ‘hilarious lessons’ along the way hint at the awkwardness of trying to fit into a world that doesn’t naturally belong to you. From my perspective, this is where the show’s heart lies—in the messy, human struggle to reconcile who you are with who you want to be.
The French Enigma: Fact vs. Fantasy
Rosenstein’s show promises to tackle some of the most enduring stereotypes about the French: ‘Why do they not get fat?’ ‘Are they rude?’ ‘Do they hate Americans?’ These questions are more than just fodder for laughs; they reveal our collective fascination with French culture. What makes this particularly interesting is how these stereotypes often obscure the reality. The French aren’t inherently thinner or ruder than anyone else—they simply live by a different set of cultural norms. Personally, I think this is where the allure lies. French culture is often romanticized as the epitome of elegance and discipline, but it’s also deeply rooted in tradition and nuance.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the role of food in this narrative. The French approach to eating—slow, mindful, and communal—is often contrasted with the fast-paced, convenience-driven habits of other cultures. This raises a deeper question: Is ‘becoming French’ about adopting a new diet, or is it about embracing a mindset that values quality over quantity? In my opinion, it’s the latter. The French don’t just eat differently; they live differently. And that’s what Rosenstein seems to be exploring in his show—the idea that cultural transformation is as much about mindset as it is about behavior.
The Power of Cabaret: Storytelling Through Song
What makes Make Me French stand out is its medium. Cabaret, with its blend of music, storytelling, and intimacy, is the perfect vehicle for Rosenstein’s narrative. Performing with a three-piece band and backup singers, he’s not just telling a story—he’s inviting the audience to experience it with him. From Broadway show tunes to French disco, the music itself becomes a character in the story, bridging the gap between Rosenstein’s suburban past and his Parisian dreams.
From my perspective, this is where the show’s genius lies. It’s not just about Rosenstein’s journey; it’s about the universal desire to reinvent ourselves. Whether we’re bagels dreaming of being croissants or just ordinary people longing for something more, the show taps into a shared human experience. What this really suggests is that reinvention isn’t about erasing who we are—it’s about embracing the parts of ourselves that yearn for growth, connection, and beauty.
Final Thoughts: The Croissant Within Us All
As I reflect on Make Me French, I’m struck by its broader implications. In a world that often feels fragmented and chaotic, the idea of cultural reinvention offers a sense of hope. It reminds us that we’re not static beings; we have the power to evolve, to learn, and to dream. Personally, I think Rosenstein’s show is more than just a cabaret performance—it’s a love letter to the human spirit’s capacity for transformation.
If you take a step back and think about it, we’re all a little like Rosenstein’s bagel. We carry our own histories, our own insecurities, and our own dreams of becoming something more. And maybe, just maybe, that’s the point. We don’t have to become French to find sophistication or meaning—we just have to embrace the croissant within us all.
So, if you’re in Rehoboth Beach on July 26, I’d highly recommend catching Make Me French. It’s not just a show; it’s an invitation to dream, to laugh, and to rediscover the beauty of becoming.
