Presented by Adelaide Festival Centre
Reviewed 13 June 2015
Cabaret phenomenon Ali McGregor got the idea for Opera Burlesque when she was performing in the East End of London. The East End vaudeville halls of 1800s London were often visited late at night by opera singers from Covent Garden’s Royal Opera, who proceeded to get on the stage and perform for the masses.
McGregor has enlisted the aid of two of Opera Australia’s stunning stars, Antoinette Halloran and Dimity Shepherd to prove that Opera can indeed be for everyone.
The fun starts with the amazing five piece orchestra presenting a zany mash-up overture of classic overtures, followed by the three divas rendering Bon Jovi’s Living On A Prayer with a Mozart twist wonderfully.
All the classic opera solos are here but each one with a bit of a surprise added: Shepherd sings Madam Butterfly superbly, but what is under her kimono?; Halloran hilariously presents 50 Shades Of Rigaletto; while McGregor performs the most beautifully haunting and ethereal version of Kiss’ I Was Meant For Loving You ever (accompanied by the violinist on the saw!).
To entertain the masses with the burlesque portion of the show’s title, Sapphire Snow is most definitely the classiest and most traditional Burlesque dancer since Gypsy Rose Lee.
Opera Burlesque has something to appeal to the high and low brow in all of us. Brava, Divas!!
Reviewed by Brian Godfrey
Your Twitter: @briangods
Rating (out of 5): 5
Venue: Dunstan Playhouse Adelaide Festival Centre
Season: 13 – 14 June 2015
Duration: 1 hour
Tickets: $44.90 – $59.90
Bookings: Book online through www.adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au or phone BASS on 131 246
More News
