LITTLE EGYPT’S SPEAKEASY is performed by some very cool cats. Its creative team have worked hard to harness the mighty vocal, instrumental and burlesque talent at hand and mould it into a strongly themed night which entertains from start to finish.
The smoothly emceed event does not have a dull or down moment as it transports us to the world of 1950s Phoenix. Fine performances of classic hits enable us to escape from the humdrum of our present day. We are teased by slick burlesque dancers, told anecdotes and jokes, taught dances as well as offered a narrative which comments on the days of clubs past present and future.
The true highlight of this show is the blend of quality singers immaculately decked out in vintage finery and accompanied by a great ensemble of musicians. They attack the numbers, whether driving rhythm and blues or songs of slower expression with a keen and neatly penetrating sense of style. When the layers of burlesque, monologue, conversation and the interwoven story are added, the finish is as exotic and rich as the costumes the stars are swathed in.
A joyously hectic series of call and response music provides a showcase for the vocalists. Ensemble musicians are in good form, and short but sweet solos from the band increase the excitement. Emcee character Amos Elroy guides us expertly through the frantically paced night as he also sings. Freddie on the keys also provides much sung and spoken humour during the entertainment.
The pair of female vocalists stand out in a very strong ensemble under the solid leadership of Lucian McGuiness. Singer Shirley Slam (Katie-Elle Reeve) is personality plus with an immovable smile and a super elegant vintage sheen. She quickly emerges as a gutsy solo and group singer with moves to match. By her side, the dynamo of soul Tipsy Lee (Elana Stone) grooves with united body and voice. She gives us the gifts of her strong storytelling and variety of characterisations.
Great fun is to be had from watching the Speakeasy team enjoy their work and be ambassadors for their style, both in and out of the drama. They ably accompany the visual treats and teasing of the well-timed burlesque acts. The local stars Danica Lee and Kelly Ann Doll are great exponents of this genre, amazing us with elaborate variations of outfit, headdress, and states of skilful undress.
The story of the club’s origin and future could be tweaked or made more fluid in what will hopefully be successive seasons of this show. The narrative element however does succeed in supplying structure and even much local or current humour to the cleverly unique gig-turned-mini-drama piece. It is easy with the performers on offer though to crave the music and dance to speak for itself. And Speakeasy it certainly would.
This is a very fun night, filled with well-known music in exciting versions. It is blessed with performance styles from other times which still entertain today, and must be preserved. It grooves, has soul, and will get you on your feet. LITTLE EGYPT’S SPEAKEASY plays in the Django Bar at the Camelot Lounge, Marrickville until Sunday night, November 9.
For more about Little Egypt’s Speakeasy, visit http://camelotlounge.wordpress.com