Presented by Amy Bodossian
Reviewed 6 March 2015
Cabaret diva Amy Bodossian gave an impassioned performance for her tightly packed crowd at La Boheme.
The dilapidated splendour of the historic venue proved a perfect setting for Salvation Amy, in which Bodossian explored the “op-shop of our minds”.
Bodossian’s eye-catching Salvation Army ensemble was accented with a sequinned bow belt and fishnet stockings, complete with discrete holes at the knees. Her wry, physical comedy style was evident from the outset. As she entered, she laboriously dragged an overflowing bag of op-shop purchases, stopping occasionally to bestow one of these on amused audience members. She laughed as one of her beaded feathery earrings broke, and continued the show unfazed.
The small stage was cluttered with broken oddments and stained clothes, some of which Bodossian used as props or a makeshift seat. She recounted her time working at the Salvation Army, where she dealt with the emotional and physical waste of humanity. Using her reminiscence as a jumping off point, she explored rejection and rebellion, passion and faith, love and domesticity, suffering and solace.
Bodossian proved a true cabaret artiste, interweaving comedic commentary with poetry and songs. Her improvised jokes were easily identified, as they made her accompanist David giggle behind the keyboard. His melodies complemented her expressive lyrics and powerful sultry voice. Impressively, her rendition of George Michael’s Faith, which followed a sardonic poem about religion, did not detract from her original numbers. She performed both her poetry and songs with a poignant sincerity and charm.
Salvation Amy offers a uniquely emotional and entertaining experience, best enjoyed with a cocktail or two, though be warned: you will never frequent an op-shop again.
Reviewed by Nicola Woolford
Rating out of 5: 4.5
Venue: La Boheme – Upstairs, 36 Grote Street, Adelaide
Season: 6 March – 14 March 2015
Duration: 60 minutes
Tickets: $20.00 – $25.00
Bookings: Book through FringeTix online or at a FringeTix box office (booking fees apply)
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