Presented by The Amazing Cristina
Reviewed Sunday 23rd June 2013
The charming Christine Danton bends over backwards and picks up a $10 note offered by an audience member with her teeth, and offers to double it if she fails to do so. Not such a big deal you say? Well, given that The Amazing Cristina is actually approaching the age of 69, Adelaide’s own Queen of Contortion literally puts her money where her mouth is. This ‘Imagery of Aging’, showcasing a lifetime of showbiz and anecdotes, proves for an entertaining experience.
Supported by gorgeous up and coming burlesque star, 18 year-old Lisa Goldsworthy, Cristina is a generous and affable performer who has been through quite the journey and survived. As the former owner of the 70’s/80s’s Adelaide icon ‘The Top Hat’, Cristina’s life is a story unto itself and an interesting one, which she briefly describes while promoting her book She’s a Bloke. Christine has rubbed shoulders with the who’s who of Adelaide society and the underworld and lived to tell the tale, although just.
The most daring element of the night was her nude performance of ‘Artistry in Motion’, which was set to a multimedia backdrop of nebulas and star systems. The artist described this part of the show as controversial, but it is not so much controversial as it is worthy of respect. It is inspiring to see such an agile, fit, elderly woman confidently giving ageism a stern talking to and, in the process, without saying, it manages to leave the audience questioning their own weak excuses for not taking care of their bodies and aspirations.
She joked about doing the show in another 30 years time which, given her condition is not out of the question and begs the question – What does an ageing contortionist do with herself? The answer of course is to keep on doing it!
Last chance to see Almost 69 is next Friday the 28th at the Singing Gallery, 133 Main Rd, McLaren Vale.
Reviewed by Darren Hassan
Venue: Nexus Cabaret & *The Singing Gallery McLaren Vale
Season: 6, 23and 28 June 2013
Duration: 60 mins
Tickets: $25 Full. $22 Concession
Bookings: Cabaret Fringe Festival website
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