Presented by Caos Events
Reviewed Thursday 24 February 2011
http://www.adelaidefringe.com.au
http://www.movinmelvin.com
Venue: Caos Café & Bar, 188 Hindley Street (cnr Register St), Adelaide
Season: 1-5, 9-12 Mar at 7.30pm; and 6, 13 Mar at 6.30pm
Tickets: $32.00/$27.00
Duration: 2 hours
Bookings: FringeTix 1300 FRINGE (374 643) or http://www.adelaidefringe.com.au
How could you not love Melvin Brown? From the moment he steps onto the stage in his red tuxedo and white tap shoes, you know you’re in for a treat. After 50 years in the entertainment industry, this affable, talented, energetic performer knows how to tell a tale and sell a song.
Brown returns to the Fringe for the seventh time with an edited version of his award-winning show A Man, A Magic, A Music. It’s a journey through the musical history of black America from the 1940s to modern day, told in relation to his own life story.
Beginning with an a capella hymn, Brown goes on to honour Otis Redding, Chubby Checker, Sam Cooke, Chuck Berry, Ray Charles, The Temptations, James Brown and even Michael Jackson. The songs cover a variety of genre including jazz, soul, rhythm & blues, country & western and rock. Every number is a hit.
With an infectious laugh, we are regaled with comical stories of family, segregation, army life, two broken marriages and his time stripping in a male review. He’s surprisingly candid, but never downtrodden. Brown dances, taps, moonwalks, strips and even engages in a bit of clogging. He’s an all-round entertainer that can tell a joke and have the audience on their feet clapping along to When the Saints Go Marching In.
Sadly, talented backup singer Francesca could barely be heard for her few appearances on stage. The 4-piece band features George on keyboard; Steve on guitar, another Steve on drums and Nicky on bass. All are competent musicians but with the exclusion of the drummer, they looked so sombre they may well have just come from a funeral. While Brown easily carries the show, the back up performers need to look like they’re enjoying themselves too.
Brown takes time out to briefly chat about the Change the World project that he started in his hometown of Austin, Texas. The project aims to build a home for homeless children and elderly people together, so they can learn from each other.
To close the show he channels Louis Armstrong singing It’s A Wonderful World and after such a magnificent concert, he has the power to make you believe it is.
Reviewed by Rod Lewis, Performing Arts Critic, Glam Adelaide.
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