Presented by Rachel Rai, Claire McEvoy, Aaron Nash
Reviewed Thursday 7th June 2013
Have you ever had that experience when you enter a room crowded with people and, without deciphering the individual conversations, you can feel the anticipation electrifying the atmosphere of the space? Such was my experience entering the Promethean on this very frosty evening. Friends, family, countless fans, and fellow cabaret groups and performers gathered for a night that promised to bring us an ode to the “songs that cut deep into your heart and then pour lemon juice all over the wound”—this poetic introduction is apt in every sense.
Following their sold-out seasons of Tears on My Pillow, and Tears on My Pillow: Cry Harder, the tantalising trio Rachel Rai, Claire McEvoy, and the multi-instrumentally gifted Aaron Nash, bring us Tears on my Pillow: Cry Another Day. From the very first song, Rai and McEvoy employ movement, theatrics, humour and emotion to convey their thoughts on love, heartbreak, and the human experience. McEvoy’s entrance kick-started the show as she weaved throughout the audience, engaging witty banter with a gobsmacked young man. Rai soon followed, thrusting herself onto another shocked man’s lap and belted out a love ballad into his face (as I shrunk further back into my seat, thinking “for the love of God please don’t chose me!”). My social awkwardness aside, these types of interactions deliver a striking, edge-of-your-seat performance.
And so followed an array of costumes, 60’s heartbreak tunes, Motown/folk medleys and even a parody of ‘whiney’ Disney princesses (which stole the show). Rai and McEvoy played their personas well – whether this is their true nature or an exaggerated version – their proclaimed theatrical experience takes the performance to another level. One song that delivered a room full of laughs and awe at their vocal prowess, was a cover of Robyn’s ‘Dancing on My Own’ – McEvoy’s ability to simultaneously sing and drunk dance should be commended. The rendition of ‘Let Me Be Your Star’ packs more punch and gusto than the original performed by the cast of Smash, and truly deserves accolade.
Each song reminds us a little more about the dual nature of love; equal parts disastrous and glorious. In comparison, the second act delivered a more vibrant performance, finishing on a high. The trio even thoughtfully left Kleenex on each table, in the event the audience would be “brought down to BooHoo town”.
Rai, McEvoy, and Nash are exemplars of the plethora of musical talent scattered amongst Adelaide. How fortunate that we are all given the opportunity to witness this display of fun, laughter, and tears. Folks, keep an eye out for these three – their rise to fame will be a journey to watch.
Reviewed by Nathan Giaccio
Venue: The Promethean
Season: 7 June
Duration: 90 minutes
More News
