Ann Hampton Callaway & Liz Callaway: Sibling Revelry – Adelaide Cabaret Festival Review

Dunstan Playhouse, Fri Jun 20 The sisters Callaway make a charming couple. Smitten by the lure of a life in music they ran off as teenagers to New York to seek the big time. And they found it. In this Australian premiere of Sibling Revelry they combine to showcase that wonderful magic of harmony that can occur when siblings sing together. Unusually though their voices are quite different – Liz sings mostly up high and Ann mostly much lower. It’s a great mix. Their on-stage banter is part good natured sibling one upmanship, but is mostly a collaborative telling of the adventures they’ve shared and the music they love. They belt out some classic Broadway show tunes with the help of their musical director on piano, and two local musicians on double bass and drums. Each sister takes a turn at a solo spot, and as impressive as their harmonies are when singing together, I think I enjoyed these more. Songs from Stephen Schwartz (creator of the musical score for Godspell), Frank Loesser and Carole King are featured, as well as originals – notably the theme song from the long running TV sitcom, The Nanny. Some amusing vocal jousting is nicely choreographed when they slip into sibling rivalry mode, and Ann does a great job of imitating the sound of sax and trumpet with her voice in a novelty moment. Sister Liz held some of the longest (and truest) notes you are ever likely to hear. Also notable was a medley of many of the songs fans suggested they sing when they heard they were going to do a show together. Infectious personalities, great voices, and an obvious joy in what they're doing had the audience on their feet at show's end. by Michael Coghlan Ann Hampton Callaway and Liz Callaway perform Sibling Revelry at Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre, until Sat Jun 21.