(Roland Stansell sings "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina")
Cheerful, fun-filled night out of drag/mime acts not to be missed. (Review by Keith Millar)
If you are a fan of drag/mime acts, enjoy a
good laugh, good show tunes and talented performers then don’t miss Bent Broadway at the Rhumbelow Theatre.
In fact, if you are just in the mood for a
cheerful, fun-filled night out for the festive season don’t miss Bent Broadway.
In outrageous costumes and flamboyant wigs
the Family Players take their audience on a glamorous and uproarious romp
through Broadway. Visits are paid to many memorable productions, such as Cats, Phantom of the Opera, Annie, Evita,
Saturday Night Fever, Funny Girl and many more.
The best loved songs from these shows are
performed, but not with lyrics as you would remember them. Skilfully written
and very funny, the new lyrics leave no stone unturned and recognize no sacred
cows – and there is no shortage of double entendre’s. Everyone is lampooned,
from Barbara Streisand to Julie Andrews.
The Family Players have been around for
some time and their skill and experience show. They have all the moves and
gestures and their lip-sync is spot-on all the time. The team is Alan
Quilhampton, Derek Pearce, Greg Baptie, Roland Stansell and Derek de
Froberville and they are all very accomplished showmen in their own right.
A highlight for me was Stansell’s
performance of Don’t Cry for Me Argentina
from Evita. Very glamorously dressed, he delivered the song seriously and
dramatically, which made the irreverent and wacky lyrics all the more comical.
Special mention must go to Trevor Gandy,
the pianist who sits to the side throughout the show. Initially his
“finger-syncing” to the music is quite accurate. But as the show goes on, he
imbibes more and more from the refreshments he finds in his violin case and
from the inside of the piano. He gets increasingly inebriated and by the end of
the show, he can hardly stay on his piano stool. It is a hilarious performance.
Gandy was also responsible for the very
attractive and innovative set which depicted a New York skyline at night. This
was instrumental in the cast being able to put on a “big” production in the
limited space of the Rhumbelow stage.
Well done the Family Players! This is
fantastic entertainment which is way over the top in the best possible respect.
Performances of Bent Broadway take place on the December 28 and 29 at 20h00 and December
30 at 18h30. The venue opens 90 minutes before show for picnic dinner. Take
along food picnic baskets and braais will be available. There is limited secure
parking. A cash bar is available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises).
Rhumbelow Theatre is situated in Cunningham Avenue off Bartle Road, Umbilo.
Ticket price is R100 and booking is
essential 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
– Keith Millar
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