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Sister Mary Lucy – 2012 Adelaide Fringe

Presented by Lucy Russell for CABfringe
Reviewed Saturday 25th February 2012

As you enter La Boheme, the background music sets the scene. Selections from The Sound of Music, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Sister Act. The stage is simple, a painting of the Virgin Mary, the corner of the piano forming an altar, and a stool.

As Lucy Russell starts her first song, accompanied by Peter Johns on piano, it is easily recognisable, both in lyrics and music, but also sound. As she sang. The Sound of Music. I know I pictured Julie Andrews in my head.

Russell goes on to use dialogue and song from musical theatre, popular music and cabaret favourites to illustrate her childhood selection of vocation, providing amusing reasons and dubious research that lead her to want to become a nun. She moves from a childhood desire to grown up reality, often giving songs a new meaning to convey the desired message.

The anecdotes are amusing with good pace and humour and Russell knows her material well. The inclusion of interaction with Johns and a dialogue with her mother provide nice variations to the standard cabaret patter.

Russell is debuting Sister Mary Lucy and is also a newcomer to the Cabaret scene, graduating from the inaugural Australian Cabaret Summer School in 2011. With time Russell will become more confident with working without a microphone stand more often, which will free her to utilise more of the stage and increase the connection to the audience.

Whilst the season will be over by the time this is published, Lucy Russell is a name to look out for at future Cabaret Fringe Festivals and around the Cabaret circuit, and it will be interesting to watch her develop her skills.

Reviewed by Jade Kops, special guest Fringe Critic, Glam Adelaide

Adelaide Fringe – Sister Mary Lucy
CABfringe – Sister Mary Lucy

Venue: La Boheme, 36 Grote Street, Adelaide
Season: Season ended
Duration: 60min

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