Posted by MiriamK in Cabaret
Floozy June (Charlotte Mudge), love-cynic Jean (Bronwyn Gell) and desperate-housewife Joan (Rachael Kirkham) Geiger, are three sisters who, ably supported by their ever-enthusiastic (and possibly intoxicated) cousin Gertie (Carol Young), present an evening radio show in the years following WWII. As the studio audience, we get to see what goes on, both on and off air, the night the radio station is sold and the girl’s careers are on the line.
The key element to the radio show is music and, accompanied by Gertie, the sisters sing about life, love and their world. All four performers have strong voices and while combining on several songs to create attractive harmonies, accurately reminiscent of the time, they are also given the opportunity to shine individually with feature numbers. In addition, the physical action, which could easily be left by the wayside in a radio based piece, provides much amusement and showcases the performers’ talents.
The overarching structure of the show works well; enabling both a continuing plotline to run throughout while also providing opportunities for amusing individual sketches. The Life and Times of Fanny Mac is one such piece; a radio play, complete with coconut horse hooves and some truly hilarious one-liners. Other highlights include the various advertisements smattered throughout, particularly those for the major sponsor, Dr Cardwell’s All Purpose Elixir, and that beloved Aussie icon, the Hills Hoist.
This is a well constructed and polished piece of entertainment, with comedy and musicality in equal measures, and fine performances all round.
Kryztoff Rating 4K
Posted by Rubina in Music
The Mike Stewart Big Band are as grand as they ever have been.
Seriously tight, the 17 piece-band plays some jazz classics from the Count Basie songbook. They are then joined by the swinging Luke Thompson, whose rehearsed vocals are simply Sinatra. Personal highlights included I Got The World On A String, Come Fly With Me and crowd sing-a-long I Did It My Way.
For many it was a nostalgic trip down memory lane at The Promethean, but for a few it was about discovering these golden oldie jazz tracks.
Not as cheesy as expected, but still a fantastic set.
Kryztoff Rating: 4K
>> Check out more interviews, videos, feature articles and polished previews in our latest Fringe Guide, http://www.kryztoff.com/fringe
Posted by Rubina in Cabaret
Be prepared for Aitken’s diva behaviour, irresponsible drinking and varied vocals.
On at the premier jazz/cabaret venue in town, The Promethean, Nikki Aitken Presents a themed variety style cabaret show. Selecting a few favourites from Sondheim, Brookes and Brown, Aitken’s vocals are lovely and light, truly entertaining.
Aitken also presents a few originals, including 2 and Half Stars which takes cheap shots at the critics and/or reviewers. Quite amusing, only the final duet is better.
Matthew Carey, who has worked with the likes of Liza Minnelli, is fantastic as musical director, pianist and banter buddy for Aitken.
Local talents Adam Page, Loki Rickus and Blue Eyed Soul starlet, Melissa Bergland also starred as extra acts, amongst Aitken’s on-stage antics.
Kryztoff Rating: 3.5K
>> Check out more interviews, videos, feature articles and polished previews in our latrest Fringe Guide, http://www.kryztoff.com/fringe
For their shows at the picturesque Promethean, Akoustic Odyssey delivered up exactly as their web-site describe it – a banquet of rock baroque, Latin jazz, classical heavy metal, Mediterranean, and Middle-Eastern styles with just a touch of funk.
These shows included extracts off their forthcoming album Lotus that includes not only new material but reworked old standards such as Odyssey. The prolific nature of the group may be evidenced by the fact their last album was released less than 18 months ago.
AO has enjoyed considerable local support with a gig at 2006 WOMAD and nominations for Fringe Act of the year. The music quickly draws you in and one rapidly appreciates the quality musicianship of all the players with perhaps Josh Tsounis on guitars (and one of the primary composers) the standout. Many of the songs gather momentum like a departing passenger train before cruising at high velocity in their midst. Emma Luker (violin) and Talitha Best (oboe) make fine front people while Anne Harrington’s percussion is under emphasised or at the risk of being under appreciated.
Akoustic Odyssey is fine Sunday afternoon fare for all to enjoy.
Kryztoff Rating – 4K
>> Check out more interviews, videos, feature articles and polished previews in our Fringe Guide, http://www.kryztoff.com/fringe