Ali McGregor’s Opera Burlesque: Bringing Opera And Cabaret Perfectly Together – Adelaide Cabaret Festival Review

Dunstan Playhouse, Sat 13 Jun Superstar Ali McGregor and her incredibly talented colleagues Antoinette Halloran And Dimity Shepherd form the hilarious trio showcasing several well-known iconic pop stars Madonna, Britney Spears and AC/DC in opera performance and dressed in their corsetry-burlesque style.  Replicating an era when the chorus girls in Covent Garden’s 18th Century Wilton’s Music Hall would complete their shows then strip down to their undergarments and perform to the vaudeville loving public the same arias they had just sung to a different audience, we are treated to all kinds of visual treats through the hour long show. An incredible band featuring piano, double bass, percussion, violin and cello, with additional guest musicians such as local Eric Santucci, adds to the ‘in the moment’ feel of a genuine burlesque show with all the angst of props, and whether they may or may not appear, costume changes and fabulous alternations between their singing and the other performances of trapeze (Luna Eclipse, simply divine), a burlesque ‘strip’ by the stunning Sapphire Snow, and a couple of technically brilliant instrumental pieces by the band. Ali is the ‘hostess with the mostess’, making her way down to the audience to gently croon in one lucky gentleman’s ear, and with the utmost of professionalism keeps the activity on stage continuous unbeknownst to the unsuspecting audience when a costume change may be taking slightly longer than planned. Highlights were the beautiful Aria, sung offstage and demonstrating the brilliance of the timing of the band as they followed impeccably, even with a difficult-looking arrangement stage with half of them on one side and the piano and percussionist on the other. Certainly one of the funniest pieces of the show was the reading/singing of the slightly re-arranged 50 Shades of Rigoleto, in which Halloran reads from the controversial 50 Shades novel whil writhing on her day bed. Her theatrical nuances are vividly obvious to even those in the furthest seats and her seductive voice lends itself to the naughty text. Overall a stunning show which you must not miss. The standing ovation was well in order. Sian Williams Opera Burlesque continues at Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre, from 7pm on Sun 14 Jun. Book at BASS on 131 246 or bass.net.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.