Adelaide Fringe

Fringe Review: Prinnie Stevens in LADY SINGS THE BLUES

Prinnie Stevens curates a selection of classics from women of colour spanning one hundred years of blues history.

The exceptional Prinnie Stevens delivers a soulful and sultry homage to the women of blues.
5

Presented by Prinnie Stevens Productions
Reviewed 4th March 2021

Dressed in a dazzling flapper dress with hair coiffed with flowers in a Billie Holiday style, you’re first struck by what a vision Prinnie Stevens is. You’re then taken by her smooth and powerful voice, making the large retrofitted warehouse feel like an intimate club, as if she’s singing directly to you. Her alluring performance is accompanied by the piano and bass, as the blues trio takes its audience through the decades of the blues.

Prinnie Stevens curates a selection of classics from women of colour spanning one hundred years of blues history. Beginning with Billie, through to Etta, Aretha, Whitney, all the way up to Beyoncé. Prinnie’s affinity for gospel, the connection she felt with characters such as Shug from The Color Purple, and the drive to share these women’s incredible stories is evident.

The passion portrayed is indicative of the history Prinnie shared growing up with these songs. Prinnie weaves her own anecdotes throughout, further endearing her already enraptured audience to her charming presence.

Throughout, Prinnie shares stories about her chosen songstresses, including their history, their struggles, and their activism. Stevens’ performance isn’t a series of impersonations, but instead is her interpretation of these sometimes heartbreaking, always soul-nourishing numbers.

I felt goosebumps up my arms at multiple moments, such was the power of the emotions during the performance. Prinnie Stevens relishes being in the spotlight, a woman born to be centre stage. This lady can undoubtedly, and magnificently, sing the blues.

Reviewed by Milly Farmer

Venue:  The Chamber at The Queens
Season:  04 March – 07 March
Duration:  1 hour
Tickets:  $35-50
Bookings: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/prinnie-stevens-in-lady-sings-the-blues-af2021

Rating out of 5: 5

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