John O’Hara: Songs and “Dedications” of Love Lost and Love Found – Adelaide Cabaret Festival Review

ArtSpace, Sat 6 Jun This very polished and entertaining show is inspired by the highly successful Australian radio show, Love Songs and Dedications, hosted by Richard Mercer, known as ‘The Love God’. In the extraordinarily capable hands of actor/singer John O’Hara and his accompanying pianist and cellist, we are taken on a magical journey of love lost and won, as we meet the people who call ‘The Love God’, to tell their stories, vent their anger or reminisce on what has been lost. Hilarious, touching and poignant, it moves with an excellent pace and we willingly travel into the lounge rooms (and sheds) of the lovelorn and lonely. John O’Hara is a consummate performer. His transformational skills are remarkable in the cast of male and female characters and his singing voice is equally at home in both ranges. Whether portraying dear old Frank, Josie – the somewhat psycho and obsessed young fan, self-loathing lesbian Liz, or the horrible and irritating hashtag teenager, O’Hara never wavered from the conviction of his characters. As Bogan Travis, left holding the baby due to his own ‘caveman’ behaviour, O’Hara sang some of the biggest numbers including Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You, complete with diphthongs, bad pronunciations and twisted mouth. I had to try it myself later to see how he did that without affecting the quality of his voice. There is much, much more to this show and its climax (yes, really!) is erotic, hilarious and musically memorable all at the same time. Fantastic theatre! Beautifully written, masterfully portrayed and richly entertaining. Bravo! Nikki Fort John O’Hara performs Dedications at ArtSpace, Adelaide Festival Centre, at various times until Mon Jun 8. Book at BASS on 131 246 and bass.net.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.