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A History of Now – 2012 Adelaide Fringe

Presented by Joanne O’Callaghan for CABfringe
Reviewed Tuesday 28th February 2012

In a gold and black lacy party dress, Joanne O’Callaghan sets the mood for the night with Cole Porter’s Anything Goes, and it pretty much does. This show definitely allows, requires even, audience participation. It is what you get when you cross Rockwiz and cabaret.

O’Callaghan sets the rules, giving the audience a number of options of how to play the game, thereby proving that the show is very much impromptu. Yes, there is a wealth of knowledge of the music covered by all the options, but O’Callaghan can’t, for the most part, know what will come next, so it is even more incredible that she can draw on these facts at an instant.

Each round ends with a song, either the answer or somehow related to the topic. O’Callaghan has a good, strong voice, the sound levels set possibly a bit too high for such a powerful voice in the small space, but clear and versatile. Aaron Dohse and Max Ziliotto provide accompaniment, on keyboard and drums respectively, and handle the impromptu nature of the show well.

To say much more about the music would give the game away but, from a cabaret sense, O’Callaghan makes the connection to the audience by calling on their memories, showing how enthusiastic and passionate she is about the music and the history, and knows how to work a room and her stage. For patter and songs that suit, she scans the room well, being aware of what is going on in the room and, for the quieter ballads, she sets the tone using the microphone stand and holding focus to show a deeper emotion.

Don’t worry if you don’t know much about music, O’Callaghan won’t let an audience that does not know the answers slow her down. She maintains the pace throughout, giving answers if she realises the audience can’t answer.

This is a great show for anybody who likes music, history, or simply a fun time. As there were still options available, each show will most likely be different but I’m confident that each show will be fun.

Reviewed by Jade Kops, special guest Fringe Critic, Glam Adelaide

Adelaide Fringe – A History of Now
CABfringe – A History of Now

Venue: La Boheme, 36 Grote Street, Adelaide
Season: Concluded
Duration: 55min

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