California Crooners Club: Crooning All The Way To The Present Day – Adelaide Fringe Review

The Grand Ballroom at Hilton Adelaide, Thu 1 Mar. [CABARET/MUSIC – AUS/USA/RSA] Joining the long queue of waiting people, it was impossible not to feel the excitement and anticipation at the prospect of seeing the California Crooners Club – presented by Parker and Mr French. And we were not disappointed. Hugh Sheridan and Emile Welman return to the ‘club’ bringing with them some new members, TSoul and Conner Boatman, both from the USA. The four men start their first song from the back of the room, each taking turns at singing the lead and snuggling up with or singing to different ladies along the way. The gasps of delight from all of those lucky enough to have a personal interaction with one of the ‘crooners’ was a delight to watch. Cameras were almost encouraged at this gig, with friends clicking just a ‘few’ shots of the close encounters. The evening was sprinkled with a few crooners' songs, but the majority of the show’s songs were jazzed-up versions and smashes of the current playlist from your local radio station. All performed well by this group of male voices, each taking a role in the harmonies to provide the full spectrum of sound that we have come to expect. A personal highlight for me was the singing of Frank Sinatra’s New York New York to the music of Alicia Key’s New York, with the two working fantastically together. Come for the songs but stay for the show as showmanship is certainly one of their skills. The crowd were up on their feet dancing in and on chairs by the end of the night. Some even joined the front men and the brass players on stage to take the evening's bows. 4 stars Charissa McCluskey-Garcia California Crooners Club continues at The Grand Ballroom at Hilton Adelaide, at various times, until Mon 12 Mar. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets. #ADLfringe