(Karen Campbell-Gillies)Continuing its run at the Stirling Theatre next weekend, Déjà Vu is an easy-going presentation of a wide variety of songs.
“Déjà vu” literally means "already seen" and reflects the emotion one feels when you think you’ve already done what you are currently doing or have already been to the place you are in, although you have no memory of it. Some people see it as an experience re-lived from a past life.
Connecting the past and the present, Anthony Stonier and Karen Campbell-Gillies explain that they have chosen the show’s song list to encourage audiences to revisit pleasurable memories of their association with any particular number. There is certainly a good line-up from The Carpenters Yesterday Once More and the title song from Cabaret to Joan Baez’s Ring Them Bells and Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel.
They perform slow jazzy arrangements of Beatles’ songs such as Something, Ticket to Ride and It’s been a Hard Day’s Night alongside powerful numbers like Climb Every Mountain from Sound of Music (Anthony) and River Deep Mountain High (Karen) by Ike & Tina Turner.
Anthony and Karen are long-term friends. They met in the adult pantomime Cinderella and share some of their amusing memories of their experiences. There are some interesting arrangements of Beatles numbers as well Karen’s poignant Over the Rainbow. She was beguiling in breathy Marilyn Monroe mode with Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.
Just when you thought the show was going to stay in the laid-back, jazzy blues style, along comes Patricia the Stripper and I am what I am from La Cage au Folles from Anthony who is in good form with numbers associated with Shirley Bassey: Never, Never, Never, This is My Life and And I Love You So. In reflective mood, Karen does justice to Patsy Cline’s Crazy. Make sure you ask for an encore, then you’ll get the best number of the evening - Me and My Shadow
I would have liked to have seen more projection – not necessarily volume – from the performers. This is a tricky venue to perform in as unless the actors strongly engage with the audience, you feel as if there is a glass wall separating us. There were also a number of sound imbalances with backing tracks overshadowing the artists.
I would have liked to have seen a more visual content to the stage setting. While attractively draped in silver and blue with only two pillars and two stools for props, the performers are challenged to create some visual dynamism. Karen Campbell-Gillies appears in a number of attractive outfits suiting the mood of the songs and lighting effects add further interest. There is only one entrance onto the stage and perhaps a flat on stage either side would fill the back corners and allow for different approaches.
The next performances take place on June 10 and 11 at 20h00 and on June 12 at 15h00. Tickets R80. For an extra R80 on June 12, you can enjoy a three course Italian Club Lunch before the show starts at 15h00.
The Stirling Theatre is situated in the Italian Club along Fairway near the Beachwood Golf Course. Take your own picnic or snacks but the venue offers The Italian Club’s optional a la carte menu for patrons wishing to eat, and a fully stocked bar at affordable club prices. There is plenty of secure parking. Bookings 076 786 1127 or email bookings@stirlingtheatre.co.za (Regret no credit card facilities) More information at www.stirlingtheatre.co.za – Caroline Smart
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