Gym Junkie: Singing Up A Musical Sweat at La Bohème – Adelaide Fringe Review

La Bohème – Upstairs, Thu 25 Feb We’ve all been there: wanting to go to the gym, get fitter, become a realised version of the Rocky montage. But how do we accomplish it? Lisa-Marie Ryan gives you all the tips and tricks you need to survive your workout aspirations. She will take you through her own twelve-step program, and don’t worry, there are no Atkins, South Beach Diet or other health gimmicks here. While going to the gym can be a tedious experience, Lisa-Marie keeps her show upbeat and fun. Anyone who has been to a gym, even in a passing New Year’s resolution phase, will relate to what she sings about (the types of people you see at the gym, shopping sprees for workout gear). She performs a variety of songs from Kelly Clarkson to The Sound Of Music standards, sometimes cleverly changing the lyrics to fit with her theme. While Lisa-Marie has a beautiful voice and her straight renditions were enjoyable, I preferred the songs that included changes to the lyrics, and wished she had done more parodies. The blend of observational gym humour and cabaret was entertaining: not a typical combination, but when you realise the importance of music in a successful workout, actually makes sense. There were some instances where Lisa-Marie Ryan could have been a bit more incisive with her jokes. Her stronger material related to the actual gym-going experience, and I wish there had been more of it (a compilation of the most awkward exercises you will attempt at the gym was hilarious). The material is definitely there. Overall Gym Junkie has some fun moments, and it she keeps working on it, Lisa-Marie Ryan will have a great cabaret show. Elizabeth Harnett Gym Junkie continues at La Bohème – Upstairs from 6pm until Sun Feb 28. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.