BLONDES ON DECK

Scenic venue show reaches a new level of style and sophistication. (Review by Caroline Smart)

The first offering of the year from the scenic supper theatre venue, The Upper Deck on the Phantom Ship at uShaka Marine World features a smooth, stylish and classy production – the kind of show that deserves a good response from Durbanites.

All kudos to producer Wayne Scott and director Charon Williams Ross for creating good quality entertainment over the years since The Upper Deck moved onto the supper theatre circuit. Following their sell-out Let’s Hear it for the Boys last year, they have put together an enjoyable tribute to the “blondes” of the music industry. So, expect to hear hit songs by Marilyn Monroe, Christina Aguilera and Madonna alongside their male counterparts Sting, Bon Jovi and David Bowie as well as numbers made famous by Duffy, Faith Hill, Clare Johnstone, Ronan Keating, Kylie Minogue, Beyoncé, Olivia Newton John, Alicia Keys, Rod Stewart and Dolly Parton.

Heading the production are Lauren Laing and Jonathon Didlick, both proving that they are no longer the appealing new kids on the block with great potential but now display a maturity and discipline of performance that identifies seasoned performers. Their interaction was dynamic in many numbers.

The show features the welcome return of costume designer Fleur de Waal to her home town after having spent ten years in London. The costumes are glitzy, colourful and attractive – Lauren looks stunning! – and carry the stamp of someone who knows how to design for dancers. Actor Bradley Marshall, who appeared in Let’s Hear it for the Boys has been the stylist for Jonathan Didlick and has created a suave yet casual look which sets off this performer’s height.

Londiwe Dhlomo, Jacqui Majoor, Tami du Preez dance – and sing! – their way through Denya Maslen’s effective choreography. Along with the top-notch five-piece uShaka band headed by musical director Shem Mahabeer, backing singers Tammy Saville and Ricky Hastings deserve acknowledgement for adding to the quality of the music.

Special mention must be made of Londiwe Dhlomo who shone with her focus and energy. Definitely a performer to watch – I predict she’ll be heading her own show before long!

Attention has been given to stage dressing and the performance area for this show offers side features – a bar and a cocktail table as well as two decorative potted palms to soften the harshness of the deck railings. A glitzy rostrum with stairs lit by fairy lights and deep red velvet draping adds to the charm.

Bringing the proven expertise of Gearhouse South Africa on board to cope with lighting this difficult venue was a good move and they have skillfully concealed many of the “dark” areas with clever lighting effects.

My only adverse comment is that the final number La Vida Loca doesn’t end in a flourish – the kind that should have the audience on their feet clamouring for more. This production definitely deserves a number of encores!

Blondes on Deck runs from January 14 to March 14 with shows from Wednesdays to Saturdays at 20h00 (dinner starts at 19h00) Tickets R150 include a good buffet menu. Bookings can be made at 031 328 8068 or Computicket. – Caroline Smart