Lowdown Hokum Orchestra And Burlesque Revue – Adelaide Fringe Review

Channel 9 Kevin Crease Studios, Sat Feb 21 When it comes to lowdown hokum, this experienced band of jazz and blues players led by Doc White is the real thing. From the very first note my feet are tapping to some joyously cool music. The band, which tonight includes stand-in Adelaide sax and clarinet player Sophia MacRae, are all excellent. Vocal honours are shared between Doc White and the incredible Nichaud Fitzgibbon. Nichaud‘s warm and sultry singing takes the standard of the show to a whole new level. Her finesse on songs such as Whatever Lola Wants and Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood makes them real showstoppers. Add to this some inventive and beautifully performed burlesque routines by Mimi Le Noire and Minnie Monroe. These happen sparsely throughout the show but certainly become the centre of attention when they do. The music is wrapped up in a storyline with Mark Cutler as the jealous husband and manager of Nichaud fearing that a long ago relationship between her and Doc White is in danger of rekindling. This device is a little forced, and actually interrupts the flow of an otherwise brisk production. At the end members get to play snippets of their own favourite songs, and the band’s ability to seamlessly flow into different styles of music is impressive. A brilliant way to spend an hour! Adrian Miller Lowdown Hokum Orchestra And Burlesque Revue continues at Channel 9 Kevin Crease Studios from 8pm until Sun Mar 1, Parks Theatre One from 8pm on Fri Mar 6, and Elderton Wines from 8.15 pm on Sat Mar 7. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 261 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.