Anthony Stonier pays tribute to Eartha Kitt at Rhumbelow Theatre. (Review by Caroline Smart)
On Christmas Day, 2008, the world lost a music legend in the form of singer Eartha Kitt – she of the low luscious voice, sultry looks and famous growl. A feisty character throughout her life, she died from colon cancer at her home in Connecticut at the age of 81 after a career that spanned more than six decades. This saw her working as a highly successful performer in recording studios as well as on stage, film and television. The term mega star is not one to be bandied about, but Eartha Kitt earned that status – and then some!
A consummate jazz and blues singer, Eartha Kitt was a legend in her own time. Of mixed parentage – Cherokee/African-American (mother) and German or Dutch (father) - she came from humble beginnings on a cotton plantation in Oklahoma. She worked her way out of her poverty-stricken surroundings to become the darling of the Parisian nightclub circuit before returning to her home country and eventual Broadway stardom. Singing in ten different languages, she performed in over 100 countries worldwide and survived being blacklisted in the States in 1968 for her outspoken comments on the Vietnam War.
Following the news of her death, well-known Durban actor and singer Anthony Stonier – virtually a household name for his distinctive performances as the female “villain” lead in Sue Clarence Promotions’ annual adult pantomimes - began looking at reviving a production in which he appeared in the Playhouse Loft in 2001, directed by Greg King and produced by Eric Hutton.
These plans came to fruition and Down to Eartha, now directed by Karen Campbell-Gillies, is currently enjoying a short run at the Rhumbelow Theatre in Umbilo. Imitating Eartha Kitt’s famous growl and her focus on the “s” syllable, Anthony sashays through many moods, performing hits associated with Eartha Kitt, such as Old Fashioned Girl, Santa Baby, I wanna be evil, Let the Good Times Roll, A hard day last night, Let’s do it, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, Let’s Misbehave, Back in Business, I’m still Here and C’est si Bon, to name but a few. My favourite was undoubtedly the beautifully presented I’ve Never Been to Me.
Musical direction is by Tim Pullen who has created some great backing tracks. As always at Rhumbelow, however, the music overshadowed the performer when it should work as an accompaniment.
I would really like to see this production expand further and acquire a more dramatic content – perhaps more insight into Eartha Kitt herself, whose life offers marvellous material for any script. Always elegant and impeccably groomed, she became an African-American sex symbol and her romantic involvement with rich or famous men is legendary. Her unique “purring” voice had critics searching for feline comparisons.
Now that it’s fully air-conditioned, Rhumbelow offers a cool oasis on a steamy Durban summer night. The setting is simple with blazing red drapes behind an elegant chaise longue, the stage flowing onto a ramp leading into the audience. Discounting first night nerves, I felt for Anthony as he had to negotiate an ancient and somewhat rickety set of steps in impossibly high heels. Before a performer breaks his or her leg, it’s time Rhumbelow invested in a safer way for them to leave the stage and interact with the audience.
Shows take place on March 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 20h00 (March 15 and 22 at 18h30). The venue opens 90 minutes before show for picnic dinner.
Tickets R80. Take along food picnic baskets and braais will be available. There is limited secure parking and booking is essential. A cash bar is available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises). Rhumbelow Theatre is situated in Cunningham Avenue off Bartle Road. Book at Computicket or contact Roland on 031 205 7602 (h) or 082 499 8636, email roland@stansell.za.net or visit www.rhumbelow.za.net – Caroline Smart
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