(Jonathan (JJ)
Didlick)
Bublé and Bulsara is one of the most pleasurable
and satisfying productions I have seen in recent times. (Review by Keith
Millar)
Jonathan (JJ) Didlick is back in Durban for the
Easter week-end to present his one-man show, Bublé and Bulsara, at the Rhumbelow Theatre at Tina’s Hotel in
Kloof.
And what a triumph last night’s opening show was
for this likable and charismatic crowd pleaser of a performer.
Didlick first made an impact on the Durban
entertainment scene several years ago when he appeared in shows at the now-defunct
Heritage Theatre and at several other venues. He then disappeared, for his
Durban fans at any rate, into the black hole that is the Gauteng Barnyard
circuit.
While his talent was always obvious, he shows on
his return to his home town that has now developed into confident, competent
and consummate entertainer. He is all charm and sex appeal and with a 1000 watt
smile. By the end of his first number, he had his audience in the palm of his
hand.
In this show, he pays tribute to two of the modern
day giants of the entertainment industry. Canadian singer/songwriter Michael
Bublé, and Bulsara who, as most people know, is the real surname of the late
Freddie Mercury, the frontman of the super group Queen.
Two very different artists but Didlick proves he is
up to the task of doing a very acceptable interpretation of the work of both of
them.
The first set highlights the work of the “big band”
crooner Michael Bublé and includes most of his more popular songs, both covers
and originals. Featured are hits such as Feeling
Good, Mack The Knife, Me and Mrs Jones, Sway, To Love Somebody, Nobody But Me,
Heartache Tonight and, as a nod to the second set, his cover of Queen’s Crazy Little Thing called Love.
For this set, Didlick appears on stage dressed in a
very smart suit complete with waistcoat. He displays every bit of the urbane
charm of the star as he performs with considerable skill and panache. And when
he divests himself of his jacket and waistcoat he causes a considerable stir
amongst the female members of the audience.
In his second set, Didlick presents a sample of the
music of the iconic Freddie Mercury. He apparently made a name for himself as a
Mercury impersonator while on the Barnyard circuit. I, however, don’t think his
interpretation of Freddie Mercury was as good as that of his Bublé.
This, however, may be more an indication of the
quality of his Bublé covers, an artist who suits his style and vocal range
perfectly, than any indictment on his efforts with the Queen songs.
Included in this set is One Vision, It’s a Kind Of Magic, The Great Pretender, Somebody To Love, Bohemian Rhapsody
(arguably the greatest rock song of all time), the haunting Love Of My Life (for me the show
stopper) and a medley of Fat Bottomed
girls. We Will Rock You and Another
One Bites the Dust, amongst others
Didlick encourages audience participation and on
this occasion his sold-out audience was equal to the task. Singing along with
great gusto and enjoyment. At times it was like a veritable sing-along.
The backtracks used in this show are of an
excellent quality and in the case of Queen included most of the backup vocals.
However as an avid fan of live music, I can’t but wonder how good this show
could be with the inclusion of a live band. It would lift it to a whole new
level.
Having said that Bublé and Bulsara is one of the most pleasurable and satisfying productions
I have seen in recent times. Don’t miss this show, but don’t delay, there are
only three shows left and the word is out, tickets are going fast.
The show runs until Sunday with shows at 14h30 and
20h00 today and at 13h45 on Sunday. (The theatre venue opens 60 minutes before
show for drinks)
Tickets R150 (R130 pensioners) and tables seat 6.
Family Pack pricing R300 for two adults and two children free. (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 on 082
499 8636 or email: roland@stansell.za.net or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/
(For Restaurant reservations contact 031 764 7843)
Tina’s Hotel is situated at 14 Beryldene Road in
Kloof. – Keith Millar
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