(Dylan van de Linde; Kirsty
Madgin; Ofentse Mokhuane & Evan Cullum.
Pic by Barry Meehan)
Evan Cullum, who sports black jackets with spangled
motifs, is definitely the star of the show. (Review by Caroline Smart)
Looking at the mass of songs that Elton John has
created so far in his illustrious career, it must have been a daunting task for
singer/pianist Evan Cullum to decide what to choose or what to leave out with
the show he has just created titled Elton
& Friends which is set to run at Rhumbelow Theatre at Tina’s Hotel in
Kloof this weekend.
Performing with Cullum are Kirsty Madgin on saxophone
and vocals, Dylan van de Linde on percussion and Ofentse Mokhuane on vocals.
All four appeared in the highly-entertaining Rock ‘n Roll Nerds which played Tina’s in July this year.
The show starts off with an amusing video extract from
James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke, a
feature of his The Late Late Show television
talk show on CBS. Corden is seated behind the wheel of a vehicle as Elton John,
flashily dressed in his inimitable style, hops into the passenger seat.
Snippets of this interview appear throughout the show. Other images see a very
young Elton John performing in front of huge crowds as well as with other
famous names such as Stevie Wonder. The video also covered him performing his
re-written Candle In The Wind at Princess
Diana’s funeral.
“This light-hearted tribute to Sir Elton John is hoping
to take the audience along a relaxing journey through some of Elton John’s hit
songs as well as some surprise performances from various “guest” artists,”
explains Cullum
Mokhuane gets the party going in style, wearing an
emerald green jacket and glasses studded with blue diamante, with Bitch is Back. Cullum takes over the
vocals with Sacrifice and thereafter
the programme intermingles Elton John songs with those like Heard it on the Grapevine by Marvin
Gaye, George Michael (Careless Whisper); Rachel Platten (Better Place) and Vanessa Carlton (1000 Miles).
Madgin comes into her own as a vocalist in the second
half, attractively dressed in blue sequins. Perching on the piano and tossing
her long hair, she gives us a good rendition of Don't Go Breaking My Heart and, later sings Better Place with much sensitivity.
Mokhuane has the right energy and dynamics for numbers
such as Don't Let
The Sun Go Down On Me and Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud.
Dylan van de Linde, usually seen with a much larger
drum kit than he works on in this show, provides consistently good percussion
back-up.
Cullum, who sports black jackets with spangled motifs,
is definitely the star of the show. An excellent pianist and singer, he doesn’t
try to be Elton John but gives the lyrics their full value. His solo numbers,
especially those requiring poignancy such as Sorry Seems To Be The
Hardest Word, were riveting.
The show was called in at short notice, apparently,
which explains certain opening night technical glitches. More links to the songs
and video clips would help a smoother flow. However, this is a very
professional group with an efficient technical crew and there is no doubt that
changes will be made to improve the production before its next performance.
Elton & Friends runs from
tomorrow (Friday, October 19 to 21) with shows Friday and Saturday at 20h00 and
Sunday at 14h00. (The theatre venue opens 90 minutes before show for drinks)
Tickets R150 (R130 pensioners and students with a
valid student card) and tables seat 6. (No alcohol or food may be brought on to
the premises). Tickets are cash or EFT only. Secure parking is available.
Booking is through Computicket or contact Roland (also for large group booking
discounts of 20 or more) on 082 499 8636 or email: roland@stansell.za.net or
visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/
Tina’s Hotel is situated at 14 Beryldene Road in
Kloof. – Caroline Smart
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