Presented by Drags Aloud
Reviewed Thursday17 February 2011
http://www.adelaidefringe.com.au
http://www.gardenofunearthlydelights.com.au
http:// www.dragsaloud.com
Venue: Bosco Theatre, The Garden of Unearthly Delights, Rundle Park, Adelaide
Season: 19-27 Feb, 1-12 Mar at 10pm
Tickets: $22.00/$18.00 Cheap Tuesdays: $16.00
Duration: 60 mins
Bookings: FringeTix 1300 FRINGE (374 643) or http://www.adelaidefringe.com.au
Returning to the Fringe for the third consecutive year, the popular Drags Aloud troupe continue to entertain with their new concert honouring show girls.
Unlike other years, the relentless comedy and song is paused for some intimate monologues as Jessica James, Amanda Monroe and Kris Del Vayze each tell of their own personal journeys in life, from school bullying to getting stoned. The insightful stories are funny and at times, quite sad. But the stories are the faces behind the smiles and add a touch of unexpected depth to the proceedings, although the dialogue could be tighter.
Between these monologues however, they celebrate The Stripper, The Bellydancer, The Drag Queen, The Beauty Queen, Kylie Minogue, and the ultimate showgirl, Barry Manilow’s Lola.
Jessica James remains as funny as ever as the belligerent dancer with the most expressive face in the business but her signature deadpan look is always one of the most anticipated treats of each show, this time appearing in The Carpenters song, On Top of the World. As the director, she keeps the show zapping along for the most part and her elaborate costumes of feathers, boas, sequins and boobs are a star in their own right.
Other lip synced songs include Brian Hyland’s Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini, Kylie Minogue’s Better the Devil You Know, Elvis’s Viva Las Vegas. Suzi Quatro’s Too Big, and a clucking good chicken dance mega-mix.
As always, a comical video projection fills the breaks as the cast do impossibly quick costume changes.
One of the secrets of success for Drags Aloud is their accessibility to people of all persuasions. They don’t harass their audiences and they don’t target the gay community with smutty asides. They are showgirls first and foremost, and damn funny girls at that.
Reviewed by Rod Lewis, Performing Arts Critic, Glam Adelaide.
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