OBSERVER: Big Diva Energy
Will Skarpona in his Melbourne Fringe debut Big Diva Energy is just the right amount of ‘much’.
Whilst larger than life he is perfect for the stage. From his first song to the last, the voice was huge.
There were some moments such as the opening line where I think nerves took over, the note not quite hit, however from then on except for one other glitch I felt the singing was amazing. Loud, energetic, fabulous, I could have listened to more.
This show is a cabaret with a difference, far from the expected large hair, colourful costumes, stilettos which is often the diva attire in cabaret shows, instead Skarpona is all ‘male’, admittedly ‘camp’ but with minimal makeup, short hair, pants, he is a male playing a diva with confidence.
With only one minor costume change, minimal props Skarpona is the show relying only on his voice, story telling, humour, self awareness and audience rapport.
He was able to make connections with eye contact. Managed to evoke varying emotions. He speaks of his first love affair with ‘Sara’, the harshness of growing up in a country town in NSW, his affection for his parents’ approval of his life choices.
Big Diva Energy directed by Maude Davey with pianist James Frampton is advertised as “a musical cabaret and camp memoir by celebrating iconic divas (like Madonna, Tina Turner, and Chappell Roan). A celebration of resilience,self-expression, and owning your spotlight.”
Will Skarpona meets this target boldly, bravely, brightly.
Review by Elizabeth Semmel