Reviewed Wednesday 14th April 2010
Presented by Kermond Creative
http://www.candymanshow.com.au
http://www.waynescottkermond.com.au
Venue: Her Majestyās Theatre, 58 Grote Street, Adelaide
Duration: 2hrs 5mins plus 20min interval
Season: 15th to 17th April 7:30PM, Sat 17th 2pm Sun 18th 3pm
Tickets: Adult $49.90, Conc. $39.90
Bookings: www.bass.net.au or 131 246
Multi-award winning Wayne Scott Kermond has brought this popular show back to Adelaide for a very short run. He tells of the life of Sammy Davis Jnr., from his childhood performing with his father and uncle, through his car accident, in which he lost an eye, his friendship with Frank Sinatra and membership of the Rat Pack, his period of suicidal depression, his films and his Las Vegas appearances. The narrative links a long string of hit songs, but there are some parallels between the careers of Sammy and of Kermond, who was born into the fourth generation of a show business family. We also get a few songs associated with Kermondās career, including Make āEm Laugh and Singing In The Rain, both from the show that was a huge success for him a few years ago.
Like Sammy, Kermond is a real āsong and dance manā, continuing the great tradition that goes back to the days of Vaudeville. He certainly leads by example, hardly pausing to take breath from start to finish. He also makes it clear that this is an homage to Sammy and not an attempt to impersonate him. What results is a production crammed with good humour, plenty of toe tapping, exciting production numbers and some quiet introspective moments, like the very poignant rendition of Mr. Bojangles, a song that Sammy refused to sing for many years in case he ended up like that himself. Then there was the exciting choreography for Sing, Sing, Sing, the big number associated with the Benny Goodman band that featured drummer, Gene Krupa. Everybody loves tap dancing and there was plenty of that in this show.
Kermondās fine singing voice, great footwork and amiable patter carry the bulk of the show, but he also has a fine team working with him. He is aided and abetted by five sensational dancers, Julia Smith, ZoĆ« Trilsbach, Kaylie Yee, Jordan Pollard and Jess Rasmussen. You could power a city with the energy they exude and their smiles could light up a football stadium. They are clearly enjoying every moment of performing in this show. The childrenās āhallelujahā chorus are delightful.
Musical director and drummer, Jamie Castrisas, leads a terrific eight piece band with some of Adelaideās finest musicians involved. In the end, though, this is all about good, old fashioned, high quality, family entertainment, pure and simple Great music, terrific songs, fantastic dancing and loads of fun, and what more could you ask for in a top night out?
Reviewed by Barry Lenny, Glam Adelaide Arts Editor.
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