ELVIS HAS LEFT THE BUILDING

(Pic: Lorraine McVean, Belinda Dolphin and Junaid Cassimjee))

Slick, sparkling music compilation starring great voices at intimate dinner theatre venue. (Review by Maurice Kort)

The small intimate Rhumbelow Theatre has mounted a slick music compilation with Belinda Dolphin, Junaid Cassimjee and Lorraine McVean, who also directed the show, sliding smoothly from one number to the next. They are ably assisted by Kerwin Robert popping up periodically on sax, and even on guitar on occasion, and the two dancers (Keandre Brahim and Nicole Dolphin) to give a highly entertaining musical evening which had the audience cheering over and over and clamouring for more.

Although performed to excellent backing tracks, the saxophonist blended in as if the band was behind him. The three singers performed individually and in combination, their voices blending beautifully when singing together. The show relies on their talent and there is minimal voice-over narration. From the resounding opening number American Trilogy, other highlights are Everybody Hurts (Lorraine McVean), Volare (Belinda Dolphin), Unforgettable (Junaid Cassimjee, Lorraine McVean), All the Way (Junaid Cassimjee and Belinda Dolphin as Frank Sinatra and Celine Dion), and especially the Elvis Presley medleys which include All Shook Up, Blue Suede Shoes, Devil in Disguise, Jailhouse Rock, Teddy Bear and Hound Dog. Particularly enjoyable were a take-off of Amy Whitehouse by Junaid Cassimjee in drag and Belinda Dolphin in Zulu dress singing Ndhamba Nawe, both of which brought the house down.

Performed on a bare, opulently-curtained stage with newly-acquired lighting, the production is visually enhanced by many costume changes, so that there is never a dull moment. These in no way detract from the quality of the singing and full use is also made of the area in front of the stage. The lighting and follow spots are spot on (no pun intended).

Elvis Has Left the Building can be seen next weekend (February 19 to 21) at the Rhumbelow Theatre, Cunningham Ave off Bartle Road, on Friday and Saturday at 20h00 and Sundays at 18h30. The venue opens 90 minutes before the show for a picnic dinner with braai facilities being available. As there is a bar available, no alcohol may be brought onto the premises. Tickets R80 booked through Computicket or contact Roland on 031 205 7602 or 082 499 8636 or email roland@stansell.za.net – Maurice Kort