FABULOUS 50s

For a fabulous slick celebration of the music of the 50s make a bee-line to the Rhumbelow Theatre and enjoy their latest offering. (Review by Maurice Kort)

The 50s were renowned for the great Doo Wop and Rock 'n Roll music of such groups as The Platters, Everly Brothers, Chordettes, Ronettes, Shirelles, Manhattans, Temptations, Drifters and of course Diana Ross and the Supremes and Gladys Knight and The Pips. In addition, there were the great names who will live on forever such as Tony Bennett, Cher, Elvis Presley, Ritchie Valens, Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Frankie Avalon and Aretha Franklin.

Jaziel Vaugh'hann, Kerry Lee Cherry and Praline Ross excel in their interpretation of songs made famous by all these artists and several more in a well-balanced programme featuring 29 of their hits to well-made backing tracks. The show opens with great flair with the three artists smartly outfitted in dress suits with Sh'boom, made famous by The Platters. The show proceeds smoothly from one number to the next with only very few longer pauses. Particularly enjoyable were La Bamba, Crying in the Chapel, My Girl, Lollipop, Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You, Baby Love, Twilight Time, Only You, Dream, Will You Love Me Tomorrow, Stop in the Name of Love (in stunning outfits), and a great and fitting finale Goodnight Sweetheart

A small quibble, the exits after the various numbers were extremely well-executed as the music and the lights faded although some of those by Kerry Lee Cherry were not ideal as she stepped off rather purposely. A warm acknowledgement to the audience would have made this smoother.

The Rhumbelow Theatre has achieved the right sound balance (Andre Norden) without the music being far too loud. I have mentioned before that several other dinner theatre venues could learn from them. On only one occasion, in the opening sequence of Kiss and Say Goodbye did the music overpower the opening spoken lyrics of the song which could not be heard clearly. Good lighting design (Chris Randall) prevents the bare stage from being too stark. More use could, however, have been used of the follow spot to good effect.

What prevents this music compilation from being too static is the extensive use of the stage and the lower proscenium using the many resulting entrances and exits. In addition, there are abundant costume changes, many being very colourful and stunning although there were several numbers where the singers were in black outfits and, with the dark background of the set, this was not a good choice. The cast are all polished performers with a great stage presence. They have great voices and move very well. They had the enthusiastic audience loving every moment of the show, often clapping along before even being requested to do so.

The next performances of Fabulous 50s take place at the Rhumbelow Theatre, Bartle Road, from September 10 to 12. The venue opens 90 minutes before the shows for a picnic meal with braai facilities being available. As there is a bar available no alcohol may be brought onto the premises. Tickets R100 booked at Computicket or contact Roland at 031 205 7602 or 082 499 8636 or email roland@stansell.za.net , or visit www.rhumbelow.za.net