Dash Kruck – I Might Take My Shirt Off: The Blurred Lines Between A Broken Heart And Too Much To Drink – Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2016 Review

Artspace Gallery, Thu 23 Jun. Dash Kruck plays Lionel, an awkward yet endearing character who has had a tough time since splitting with the love of his life, Neil. Lionel’s scary German therapist sent him off to do a Cabaret show with a list of requirements that need to be ‘ticked off’ which included all the essentials for a cabaret show – an opening, sex, booze, story and taking his shirt off! As the show progressed, Lionel became more inebriated and definitely overshared many a personal encounter – usually of the sexual kind with Neil. This is a story of realisation and self-worth, of how giving yourself completely, changing who you are and eventually losing yourself to gain the love of another can happen without even realising. Kruck is a Cabaret superstar. His vocal tone is sublime and his ability to metamorphosis his character through a journey from a nervous, scared little guy to confident cabaret strutting machine was astounding. The show had everything; sex, tears, stories, booze, education, laughter and some freeform time with the audience. There were gay jokes, carpet jokes and even a Game Of Thrones musical reference! I Might Take My Shirt Off is well written and out there. There were many sexual references that some may find a little cringe-worthy so it isn’t for the easily offended but the storyline, content and music was wonderful. There were some intensely sad moments that you wanted to hug poor Lionel, but the majority of the show was fun, interactive, upbeat, lyrically and musically entertaining and even had a moment for dragon slaying. Musically the numbers had good progression both lyrically and Kruck’s performance was exceptional. Dash Kruk is definitely a performer who captures the spirit of his character and pulls the crowd in! Incredible vocals, funny, mischievious and amazing talent; what more could you ask for in a Cabaret show? Amanda Bennett Dash Kruck performs I Might Take My Shirt Off at Artspace Gallery, Adelaide Festival Centre, at various times, until Sat 25 Jun. Book at BASS on 131 246 and bass.net.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets. Image courtesy of Louis Dillon Savage Social Media: Facebook: Adelaide Cabaret Festival Twitter: @AdelaideCabaret  #AdCabFest Instagram: @AdelaideCabaret Facebook: The Clothesline – Digital Arts Magazine Twitter: @Clothesline_Mag