(Pic: Clockwise: Lloyd de Gier, Marion Loudon, John Ellis and Shelley McLean)New group of respected and well-known performers present their rewarding show at Rhumbelow Theatre. (Review by Caroline Smart)
It’s not often one gets to see two refreshingly new productions two days running. Following The Boolulu Uncle at Catalina (see separate review) last night, Rhumbelow Theatre in Umbilo hosted the debut of the rewarding Rocking it Gently.
The title says it all. It’s a programme of rock music – some numbers well-known, some not so familiar – played sans backing tracks, tricksy lighting effects or glamorous costumes. Just four extremely talented and versatile singer/musicians - John Ellis, Shelley McLean, Lloyd de Gier and Marion Loudon - playing the kind of music they enjoy while respecting the various creative sources and staying true to the original hits. They bounce off each other’s talent and energy and the result is a very pleasing musical experience. One wonders what they could achieve with a good budget and a bigger venue as well as free reign to produce a larger scale production!
Apart from marking its debut, the opening performance of Rocking it Gently offers several ‘firsts” – the first time Shelly McLean has performed on a bass acoustic guitar and the first time Marion Loudon has played the bongos in public. Loudon also makes her debut as a bass guitar player. Maybe the foursome is aiming at a show called Four Bass Notes.
After years of playing in the “back row” at venues such as Heritage Theatre as a support musician, guiarist Lloyd de Gier proves that he has a strong sense of comedy and is not averse to appearing ridiculous. He can sing as well - his rendition of Rod Stewart’s Forever Young was extremely well received.
How he slipped under my radar I don’t know but I’m embarrassed to admit that this is the first time that I have seen singer/guitarist John Ellis perform. The founding member of the internationally-renowned Durban group, TREE63, he is back in Durban and I can see now why he has such a strong fan base. With his ironic sense of humour, self-effacing presentation, musical passion and honest style of performance, he endears himself to one and all.
Ellis and de Gier are on stage most of the time. They quip that the girls spend a lot of time changing and there is nothing of theirs on the dress rail in the dressing room! However, McLean and Loudon provide far more than a glamorous and theatrical element. Both established singers in their own right, they contribute strongly to the musical mix - Shelley’s Stand by You and Marion’s What’s Up being stand-out numbers.
It’s not so much a case of musical chairs but musical instruments as all four performers get a chance to show their versatility. Sometimes a number will effortlessly morph into another – in the case of Abba and U2’s Dancing Queen and Angel of Harlem, it was a three-pronged process – Abba, U2 and back to Abba! Expect to hear a range of classic tunes from artists such as the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Bob Marley, Fleetwood Mac, the Police, Crowded House, Alanis Morrisette and Paul Simon. Most of the numbers they have chosen have lyrics that need to be heard but with Megan Levy on the sound desk, your ears are in safe hands!
Rocking it Gently runs from April 16 to 25 with shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 20h00 (Sunday shows starting at 18h30). The venue opens 90 minutes before the show for picnic dinner. Tickets R90. 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. Booking is through 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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