BALLIES AND BABES

Great fun show featuring blockbusters from the past and more recent hits superbly performed by seasoned singers at the Heritage Theatre. (Review by Maurice Kort)

Using the springboard of the age-old argument, what music is better, that of yesteryear or the more modern music - I have my own views - the Heritage Theatre presents both, with seasoned residents of the theatre John Didlick and Gary McKenzie, the “ballies”, on the side of the old numbers and the very shapely and talented Marion Loudon and Lauren Laing completing the cast as the “babes”, very ably assisted by four glamorous dancers.

Befitting the theme of the evening, Ballies and Babes opens very suitably with the two male members of the cast (appropriately aged) giving a great rendition of When I'm 64. They are in really top form with, in my opinion, the best song emanating from the Beatles. Thereafter the songs follow, either as solos, duets or ensembles, often with the dancers in the background doing their stuff. They handle the choreography very well as do the four singers. The large stage is kept open and uncluttered, with only a bar in a corner at the back. This lends itself to dancing with the step tiers being nicely used. The lighting and sound are very professionally handled resulting in a polished evening's entertainment. The capacity audience responded most enthusiastically and loved the show. The backing tracks used are excellent and the songs generally flow smoothly from one to the next although there are often moments of a bare stage between numbers which breaks the momentum of the show and the rapport built up between the singers and the audience.

Interspersing the songs is the occasional bright chatter with some good one-liners between Gary McKenzie and John Didlick, in his signature dof character role, which he does so well. Amongst their best numbers were Roger Miller's King of the Road (John Didlick) and Sammy Davis Jnr's Mr Bojangles (Gary McKenzie) and a superb duet cover of Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby's Did You Ever from High Society.

Amongst the songs performed by the Babes were Sugarland's Stuck Like Glue, Tina Turner's Proud Mary, Cher's Shoop Shoop Song, Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You, Beyonce's Single Ladies and Barbra Streisand/Celine Dion's Tell Him amongst others. Marion Loudon continues to impress with her moves, strong voice and great stage presence. Lauren Laing made the most of her numbers to great acclaim and appreciation by the audience. A total of 28 songs make up the full, varied programme.

There was never a dull moment as far as the costumes are concerned, with costume changes for almost every song - even with the men although, of course, the ladies steal the show in this respect. Gary McKenzie has once again produced and directed a show to be enjoyed by all. Predictably, I prefer the older songs but the show caters for all tastes.

The Heritage Theatre is as well known and liked for its excellent varied menus accompanying the shows. On offer during Ballies and Babes, although subject to change depending on availability, are a Shrimp Cocktail; Southern Fried Crumbed Chicken Strip Salad; or the vegetarian Chick Pea Salad as a starter. For the “Main Attraction” there is a choice of the vegetarian Baked Brown Mushrooms topped with Mozzarella and Feta Cheese with a French Side Salad; Oven Foil Baked Trout Fillet with Seasonal Vegetables and Spiced Rice; Baked Succulent Chicken Breast - with all the trimmings; or Medium Sliced Sirloin with Mashed Potato and Seasonal Vegetables. Not included in the cover charge is the optional extra "Curtain Call" served during the interval of Brownie Sponge Gateau; Crepes filled with White Chocolate and Vanilla Ice Cream; Vanilla 'Expresso' Creme Brule; or Ice Cream and Caramel Chocolate Sauce (each at R29) or a Cheese Board (R35).

Ballies and Babes runs at the Heritage Theatre until April 3 at The Heritage Theatre, Hillcrest. Booking on 031 765 4197 or www.heritagetheatre.co.za Tickets R190 for Wednesday to Saturday shows at 19h00 for 20h30 (R165 Tuesday nights and Sunday lunch) for two-course meal and show – Maurice Kort