(Rory McLaren)
Rory McLaren continues Rhumbelow Theatre’s reputation of
offering a friendly, laidback and entertaining experience. (Review by Keith
Millar)
Singer and pianist Rory McLaren, from the Eastern Cape, is
not particularly well known in Durban. In fact, it is six years since he last performed
in our city. So his visit to the Rhumbelow Theatre in Umbilo this week-end is
an ideal opportunity to get to know this talented artist a little better.
McLaren comes across as a personable “boy next door” type of
individual and his intimate cabaret style show is ideally suited to the
informal Rhumbelow Theatre. The music he performs during his show covers the
greatest hits from a wide and eclectic variety of artists and is a nostalgic
walk down memory lane. All the songs are well known, and well-loved, and had
the audience singing and clapping along with pleasure.
In fact, in some ways it felt like a gathering around the
hi-fi in the lounge where everyone re-discovers their old favourites.
Included in the show are artists such as Josh Groban, Elvis
Presley, Elton John, The BeeGees, Neil Diamond, Abba, Queen and Barbara
Streisand. We also heard Judy Garland’s Somewhere
over the Rainbow which was followed, interestingly, by her daughter, Lisa
Minnelli’s wonderful New York New York.
Then, to get the party going, McLaren belted out a few
rockers such as Great Balls of Fire from
Jerry Lee Lewis, Proud Mary from Tina
Turner, and Elvis’ Jailhouse Rock. He
also showed his versatility by singing Andrea Bocelli’s The Prayer and the opera favourite, Nessun Dorma, which became hugely popular on a global scale when
Luciano Pavarotti sang it at the
FIFA World Cup in 1990.
The songs are mostly sung to backtracks which McLaren spices
up nicely with his capable piano playing.
McLaren has a good voice with a strong upper register and
plenty of power. He is a wholehearted performer and gives his all, while enthusiastically
performing every song. In fact, he may be advised to adopt a more restrained
approach with some of his renditions to give his show more light and shade.
A night out at the Rhumbelow supper theatre is always a
friendly, laid back and entertaining experience. Rory McLaren’s The Greatest Hits ensures that this
reputation is kept intact.
The Greatest Hits has
three more performances: tonight (November 22) at 20h00 and tomorrow (November
23) at 14h00 and 18h30. The venue opens 90 minutes before show for picnic
dinner or lunch. Braai fires will be provided. There is a cash bar available
(no alcohol may be brought onto the premises). Limited secure parking is
available.
Tickets R120pp. Booking is essential and may be done via
Computicket or by contacting Roland on 082 499 8636 or email roland@stansell.za.net. Webpage www.rhumbelow.za.net
– Keith Millar
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