OBSERVER: Cabaret de Paris
In a tribute to the French cabaret scene Cabaret De Paris, created by Michael Boyd Productions, entertained an enthusiastic crowd at The Palms at Crown with the wonderful Rhonda Burchmore providing star power.
Promoted as a burlesque extravaganza, the show was a series of songs with Parisian or French themes, all either sung live by Burchmore or played from recordings, and which had dance routines set to them involving seven showgirls and two male dancers. In addition, illusionist Michael Boyd (whose company produced the show) and the contortionist Veronica Waite each had two sets where they performed some amazing feats.
With Paris being the theme, the show impressed on a number of levels.
Front and centre was the powerful voice and stage presence of Burchmore. Every inch the professional, she delighted with her boldness and good-natured cheek when interacting with the audience who lapped it up.
Similarly, Waite was fascinating to watch as she got into some astonishing positions, weaving her body snake-like around a pole. Less so was Boyd as it was too easy to see how several of the illusions were created.
Of course, critical to the whole enterprise and dazzling with their display of movement and colour were the dancers.
Often the unsung heroes of cabaret, the nine of them ll displayed great skill and flair with a highlght being their performance of the Can Can.
The dancers were not listed individually in the programme, but collectively added a wow factor to the show.
The production team behind Cabaret De Paris did a great job of realising Boyd’s vision for the show. In particular, Matt Browning, the show’s rehearsal director, choreographer and dance captain, successfully fulfilled his central role in pulling it all together.
Cabaret can be an acquired taste and not always to everyone’s liking. However, if it is to your liking then this is a show that will entertain and delight you.
cabaretdeparis.com.au
Review by Peter Murphy