Presented by The Limelights
Reviewed Saturday 27th April 2013
New entertainment troupe The Limelights gave it their all in their first public performance; a single show with mixed results and a lot a spirit.
Through two half-hour sets of party hits, the seven female entertainers provided a combination of dance, song and lip syncing, none of which were helped by poor sound levels, tinny speakers and poorly edited recordings of the songs to make each number shorter.
As dancers, each of the girls were great, particularly under the guidance of experienced principal choreographer Cherylene O’Brien who kept the moves refreshing, varied and safely within the skill range of the competent troupe. O’Brien herself stood out with her retro routine to the Austin Powers’ film theme; and Chelsea Williams and Kira O’Brien were also a highlight in two hip hop compilations.
As singers, the group was not so successful with solo voices that often struggled with their song choices and microphone levels that frequently let the pre-recorded music drown them out. Of note however, were Chelsea Williams’ original ballad, The Greatest Sound and Susie Cherry’s daring attempt at the Frank Sinatra hit, New York New York.
Other numbers performed throughout the show either as a dance routine or song included I will Survive, Money Money Money, It’s Raining Men, Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Hernando’s Hideaway, Simply Irresistible, and Madonna’s Vogue. The remaining cast comprised Deb Waller, Wendy Grigg and Shania Williams.
Sadly, the venue offered only lights-on-lights-off illumination leaving all of the show cast in dim lighting with a perpetual mirror ball; the affect being to dull the excitement of live entertainment, steal from the glitz and glamour of high kicks and detract from Cherylene O’Brien’s great costuming.
A proper director would have dispensed with unnecessary set changes, quick as they were, and avoided simple mistakes like stage conversations where only one person was amplified. A production more focussed on the strengths of the cast instead of trying to offer a little of everything would also have raised the bar quite considerably.
Based on the existing talent within this troupe, I expect future outings to be considerably brighter and tighter.
Reviewed by Rod Lewis, Performing Arts Critic, Glam Adelaide.
Venue: Morphett Vale Function Centre, Epstein Dr Morphett Vale
Season ended:
Duration: 90 minutes
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