(Pic: Shelley McLean, Evan Roberts, Melanie Roberts and Liesel Coppin)
Great fun at the intimate Rhumbelow dinner theatre. (Review by Maurice Kort)
Great fun at the intimate Rhumbelow dinner theatre with four accomplished singers and two pianists belting out hits of past decades reworked in their own style.
Liesel Coppin, Shelley McLean, Melanie Roberts and Evan Roberts (not related in any way) who have been friends and working colleagues for up to 20 years have combined their talents to present this most entertaining musical evening. Having struggled to find a title for the show, they hit on the very apt "The Bald (i.e. Evan Roberts) and the Beautiful (no explanation required)".
They do full justice to the very varied songs of Bob Dylan, Justin Timberland, Queen, the Beegees, Bob Marley, Barbra Streisand, Elvis Presley and many others starting with a delightful Mr Bojangles which gives a taste of the delights to come. Their rapport and friendship show in how well they combine in the numbers and their enjoyment is very contagious, the audience loving their performances. Particularly well received was Hallelujah by Shelley McLean from Shrek.
An absolute highlight and show stopper was their treatment of Hound Dog in its several variations, never dreamt of by Elvis Presley, very topical and most humorous. There is minimal connecting dialogue, what there is being mainly by Melanie Roberts with some lovely throw-away lines. The cast obviously had great fun during rehearsals and some of this could have been included in the show to entertain and amuse the audience. The show begs not to be taken too seriously and their great talent and professionalism would prevent any hilarity being taken amiss.
Evan Roberts is an accomplished and well known musical director, producer and pianist but has not been on stage for ages. Not only has he been coaxed into this show but was "forced" to display his vocal abilities as well. Not to be outdone, Shelley MacLean takes over as the pianist in some of the numbers. She is a regular on the musical circuit having just finished a stint in Viva Las Vegas and Liesel Coppin is perhaps better known for her dramatic roles. Melanie Roberts makes a most welcome return from her long absence abroad. Each has her own singing style and they also blend well, ably supported by Evan Roberts.
Roland Stansell has done wonders with the intimate Rhumbelow Theatre in Cunningham Ave off Bartle Rd turning it into a popular venue for small budget shows making full use of the sound and lighting facilities, operated by Andre and Mbali, respectively, with Graham and Kirsty on follow spots. The set might be simple, it being dominated by the grand piano, but the many and varied costumes of the ladies make up for this.
There are six performances: April 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 20h00 and Sunday 19 and 26 April at 18h30 with the venue opening 90 minutes before the shows for picnic dinners and there are braai facilities. As there is a bar available, no alcohol may be brought onto the premises. Tickets R80 and booking is essential. Telephone or e-mail Roland Stansell at H: 031-205 7602; Cell 082-499 8636; email: roland@stansell.za.net The Web site address is www.rhumbelow.za.net – Maurice Kort
The shows this weekend had to be cancelled because one of the cast members were ill but extra performances have been added from May 1 to 3 to compensate)
Posts
