A Fitting Tribute! (Review by John Harley)
We Are The Champions,
currently running at the Barnyard Theatre at Gateway is a tribute of all
tributes, as the music of some of our greatest pop icons is celebrated~ Michael
Jackson, Tina Turner, Pink and Freddie Mercury!
These artists have dominated the charts and influenced the
music world immensely, and can quite justifiably be referred to as "Champions
of the World". The show is about showmanship and the passion of these
Barnyard performers paying homage to every nuance of these champion icons.
I perceived this as a show of two halves - the first being a
rather slow, tentative "testing of the ground" as it were; and slowly
building to a vibrant, energetic crescendo that had the audience dancing on
their tables!
On entering the theatre my heart dropped when I saw more or
less the same stage setting, same pre-production lighting ... and I had visions
of (alas) the 'same old'. The basic format of the singers entering and exiting
one after the other after each number was also the order of the day, and I
thought ... been there, seen that!
At this point the only powerful force on stage was Yvette
Barnard - and she remained such throughout the show; a dynamic, energetic, unpredictable
force to be reckoned with.
Then things changed! The pace picked up dramatically and the
cast upped their game! What a welcome relief! The show became a delight, with
high levels of energy, dynamic use of stage, lovely dancing, exciting lighting
effects and performances that raised the rafters! The costume changes were also
most effective! Well done!
Singling out individuals in such an ensemble presentation is
always difficult. However, Yvette Barnard shone like a bright star - she was
totally explosive, dominating her space with every ounce of her energy and
personality. Danny Goodman also came alive and thrilled the capacity audience
with a wonderful impersonation of Michael Jackson, bringing the house down with
his classic moon walk!
NOW contrast and surprise (central elements to any dramatic
presentation) was in full abundance. The musicians also started strutting their
stuff with solo performances that were delightful! Kirsty Madgin must now step
into the limelight more - she is clearly ready to step it up a notch - she must
have a solo piece!
All in all, in the end, a most enjoyable musical experience.
I DO have a few small criticisms; eg singers, don't fidget
with your hair and costumes; careful of drowning out beautiful, soulful numbers
like Summertime with music that is
just too forceful and USE your entrances and exits more effectively - don't
just stroll on and mince off - make a statement! Tina Turner exploded onto the
stage if my memory serves me right!
A production to be proud of and will most certainly draw in
audiences! Well done.
Tickets are R140 per person from Wed to Sat, with discounts
of R105 every Tue and R95 for Sun matinee shows. Booking and enquiries through
The Barnyard Theatre on 031 566 3045, e-mail: barngate@mweb.co.za or visit
www.barnyardtheatre.co.za - John Harley
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