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Saturday, April 20, 2019

BUBLÉ AND BULSARA


(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