(Jason Andrew, Barry
Thompson & Dawn Selby)
Highly enjoyable supper theatre production pays homage to a unique and
golden period in musical history. (Review by Keith Millar)
Come on all you hippies and flower children out there. Grab your beads
and headbands and put on your bell-bottoms and tie-dye shirts and head for the Rhumbelow
Theatre in Umbilo to spend some time with Durban’ super group The Reals, in Laurel Canyon.
This highly enjoyable supper theatre production pays homage to a unique
and golden period in musical history when an extraordinary collection of artists
resided, played together, partied together and smoked together in a secluded,
semi-rural neighbourhood above Hollywood in Los Angeles.
In the late 1960’s and early 70’s, the densely wooded Laurel Canyon was
home to the likes of Joni Mitchell, The Mammas and Pappas, The Byrds, The
Eagles, Carole King, Linda Ronstadt, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and Jim
Morrison of the Doors.
Frank Zappa lived in the famous Log Cabin in the Canyon and he welcomed
guests such as Jimmi Hendrix, Mick Jagger, British blues legend John Mayall,
Janis Joplin, Jeff Beck, Mary-Ann Faithful and many others.
The mythical and mystical Canyon became a wonderfully creative melting
pot which spawned some of the most memorable music to emerge from that era and which
is sometimes referred to as the California sound.
Durban’s fabulously talented and hugely experienced group, The Reals,
bring this marvellous music to life in a performance out of the top-drawer.
Playing on this occasion without drummer Mali Sewell they show their
versatility, subtlety and skill and prove, as if we didn’t already know, that
they are more than just a hard driving rock outfit.
I have long been a fan of the signing voice of Dawn Selby and have often
felt that this talent of hers is wasted as she normally assumes the role of
back-up singer for the group. However, on this occasion she comes to the fore
and gives superb renditions of songs from Joni Mitchel, Mama Cass, Carole King
and Linda Ronstadt. It was absolutely marvellous.
Barry Thompson is, as always, all charm and laidback wit as the host of
the show. As lead singer he delivers the goods, while his skill on the guitar,
both acoustic and electric, never ceases to amaze. Jason Andrew on bass is as
rock steady as ever and he too shows that he has a voice which is capable of
much more than that of a back-up singer.
The Rhumbelow Theatre and The Reals have another winner with Laurel Canyon, which is their festive
season production. It would serve as a perfect Christmas
celebration and will delight all old hippies and flower children, as well as
anyone who just enjoys superb music played with passion and panache.
Laurel Canyon can be seen at
the Rhumbelow Theatre in Cunningham Avenue, Umbilo from December 11 to 13 and
again from December 18 to 20: Shows Friday and Saturday at 20h00 and Sunday at
14h00 and 18h30. The venue opens 90 minutes before the show for picnic dinner.
Tickets R120. Booking is essential via Computicket or contact Roland on
082 499 8636, e-mail: roland@stansell.za.net or visit events.durbantheatre.com
Bring food picnic baskets. Braais facilities are available. Bar available
(no alcohol may be brought on to the premises). There is limited secure
parking. – Keith Millar
Posts
