Ali McGregor’s Jazzamatazz! – Adelaide Cabaret Festival Review

Banquet Room, Sat Jun 7 Ali McGregor has a plethora of credits to her name – prime roles in renowned cult cabaret shows such as La Clique, regular spots on Spicks and Specks, and a principal lead in the Australian Opera to name a few. What a treat to have such talent share their music with children and families! This show is an absolute blast! The Banquet room was almost completely full – with the tables of parents and carers happily sipping their ‘special fruit juice’ while the small people jived and wiggled their way through 55 minutes of awesome, jovial and beautifully smooth jazz. McGregor’s trio of performers laid the foundations for her brilliant performances of well loved and jazzed up versions of Rockin’ Robin, All The Single Ladies, Who Let The Dogs Out, and even a cheerful and upbeat version of a favourite Britney sing along Oops!... I Did It Again. Having Chloe and Kyle, her gorgeous dancing assistants in the thick of the room from the first beat was a brilliant touch to the show, meaning there was not a moment wasted of children spending a few minutes daring whether to go up and bounce along with this gleaming, gorgeous ‘glamazon’ with surely the most amazing red shoes ever seen. Fifty children thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the adult punters were equally transfixed by McGregor’s luscious voice and brilliant interaction with the crowd. The kids were taught how to correctly create their own jazz hands and were introduced to the band by instrument and name, in a way that appeared as though even if all the adults were disappeared from the room her content wouldn’t have altered in any way – indeed while her musicality was brilliant without a doubt, this was all about ensuring the kids had a full experience. Even a brief microphone dysfunction did not stop her, and it is testaments such as this that truly separate the professionals from the wannabes. McGregor smiled all the way to the end where her adoring new fans had the opportunity to buy her very well-priced and fabulous merchandise which, having viewed after the show, I can attest to their quality and value. Some simply wanted to say hi, others wanted to look at and gasp over those Dorothy-like sparkling red heels. Nevertheless, as McGregor politely requested – no creepy dads touching her shoes, thanks. by Siân Williams Ali McGregor’s Jazzamatazz continues at Banquet Room, Adelaide Festival Centre, until Sun Jun 8.