(Melanie Roberts &
Marion Loudon)
Sophisticated, cabaret style tribute leaves you feeling relaxed and
happy. (Review by Keith Millar)
For a an chilled, elegant and intimate night out, the place to go for
the next two weeks is the Heritage Theatre in Hillcrest, to see the return of
their very popular show, Yesterday Once
More.
The production is a sophisticated, cabaret style tribute to the music of
the sensational 1970’s duo, the Carpenters.
Comprising the brother and sister team of Richard and Karen Carpenter they are one
of the best selling and most influential pop music groups of all time. Their music
is beautiful and timeless and as captivating now as it was when it was first
released.
Amongst the memorable songs featured are Close To You, I Won’t Last A
Day Without You, Top Of The World,
Only Yesterday, Rainy Days And Mondays, Hurting Each Other, We’ve Only Just
Begun, Super Star, and Sing A Song, as
well as arrangements of other artists music such as Ticket To Ride, Please Mr.
Postman, Solitaire, Desperado, A Kind Of Hush and I’ll Never
Fall In Love Again.
Yesterday Once More features two of
Durban’s most accomplished artistes. Melanie Roberts and Marion Loudon.
I have not seen Roberts on stage for some time and was reminded with
this show what I have been missing. She is a force of nature. The Carpenters distinctive sound was based
very much on Karen Carpenter’s superb lower register. With her powerful and
rich deep tones, Roberts takes full advantage of this and puts in a splendid
performance, despite battling with a bout of bronchitis. She is also
entertaining with her whacky and mischievous banter during the show.
Marion Loudon has the rare ability to sound exactly like the artist
whose music she is performing. At times during this show she sounds so much
like the late Karen Carpenter that it brings a tear to the eye. She delivers a
very polished and elegant performance.
Another highlight of Yesterday
Once More is the young star on the rise, Chloe Clark, on keyboards. She
does an excellent job of interpreting Richard Carpenter’s style of playing. Her
singing isn’t half band either and her moody and emotional rendition of Solitaire is very moving.
Others making up the very solid backing band are the gifted father and
son team of Glen and Andy Turrell on bass and guitar respectively, and on drums
another young star in the making, Paul Cassells.
Of course any night out at the Heritage Theatre would not be complete
without the excellent meal that goes along with the music. For starters, my
wife ordered the Couscous Salad with she found light and summery, while I
enjoyed a very tasty Chicken Liver Terrine with red onion jam. The starter
available was a Butternut and Peach Soup.
My wife was very impressed with the Mutton Curry she had for main
course. She described it as mild verging on hot. I thoroughly enjoyed the very
creamy Chicken Penne Paste, although it was perhaps a bit short on chicken
pieces. Other mains available are Baked Fish and a Veggie Quesadilla. Also on offer is Lamb
Shank as a Chefs Special for an extra R63. A selection of desserts is available
as an optional extra.
Yesterday Once More is a very enjoyable
show. It leaves you feeling relaxed and happy. A must for Carpenter fans and highly recommended for all those who love good
music presented with panache and elegance.
Yesterday Once More runs until January
26 with evening shows from Tuesday to Saturday (meals from 18h45 with the show at
20h30) and a matinee show on Sunday (Meals from 12h30 with the show at 14h00). Ticket
prices are Tuesday and Sunday R185 pp and Wednesday to Saturday R215 pp. Show Only option is R130 pp.
Bookings can be made by phoning 031 765 4197 or online at www.strictlytickets.com
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