(Pic:Anthony Stonier and Jaziel Vaugh’hann)Anthony Stonier and Jaziel Vaugh’hann do musical justice to Shirley Bassey. (Review by Caroline Smart)
Just opened at Rhumbelow for a two-weekend run, is Oh Boy! Bassey! featuring Anthony Stonier and Jaziel Vaugh’hann (the erstwhile Junaid Cassimjee), who have worked together for several years in the hugely popular adult pantomimes presented by Sue Clarence Promotions.
As the title suggest, Oh Boy! Bassey! is a tribute to the one and only Dame Shirley Bassey who has produced hits every decade since the 1950’s. The aim is to mix her music with the concept of a “boy band” with no attempt to emulate or impersonate the diva at all.
However, while this is indeed the case and there’s not a sequin dress, flamboyant feather boa or glamorous wig in sight, Shirley Bassey is a mega force to be reckoned with. This is entrenched in her music, in the songs she infused with her own unique energy ... and that energy is not yet visibly evident in this show.
I don’t have a problem with keeping away from a female impersonation look but, with both performers dressed all in black most of the time and performing against black curtains, the eye gets tired after a while and craves stimulation. Mark Kleinert’s effective lighting design offers some attractive colourful spreads but it’s not enough – even a little floral lei and a silver waistcoat provides a welcome change!
Maybe it was opening night nerves but the performers were too tentative and introspective at first to generate the required audience response, particularly with the first number, Get this Party Started. I would like to suggest a more appropriate opening number would be Where do I Begin?, leaving the party number to open the Second Act. The Second Act saw a much-improved and visible energy, as well as a welcome change of costume, the duo engaging with the audience and thereby getting the desired response from them.
The two performers bring their individual characteristics to the show. Anthony with his showbiz experience, strong baritone and good breathing technique proves that he’s an excellent singer and has the vocal power to do justice to Goldfinger, I Who Have Nothing, and the monstrously difficult Climb Every Mountain. With his more intimate approach and impish presentation, Jaziel, is entertaining in Kiss me Honey Honey, New York State of Mind and Nobody Does it Like Me. I also enjoyed their joint handling of Ticket to Ride, Never Never Never and Hey Jude.
In order for it to achieve the potential it deserves, Oh Boy! Bassey! needs much stronger direction in terms of placing, movement and visual content. However, in the meantime, you’ll get to see two highly talented singers do musical justice to Shirley Bassey with good sound balance and sweeping orchestral arrangements by Tim Pullen.
Shows take place from May 7 to 9 and again from May 14 to 16 with performances at 20h00 (Sundays at 18h30). The venue opens 90 minutes before show for picnic dinner. Tickets R100. 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 phone Roland on 031 205 7602 or 082 499 8636 or e-mail roland@stansell.za.net or visit www.rhumbelow.za.net – Caroline Smart
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