Mikelangelo Sings Cave – Waits – Cohen: The Baritone Voice And A Balkan Swagger – Adelaide Fringe Review

La Bohème, Fri Feb 24 A big rugged cowboy with a deep baritone voice and a Balkan swagger, Mikelangelo could just as easily be singing Johnny Cash or Elvis Presley, but tonight we are being treated to the songs of Nick Cave, Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen. A solo show in the perfect intimate setting of La Bohème, with songs played on acoustic guitar, accordion, piano and a Cappella. Mikelangelo begins by ripping into Cohen’s I’m Your Man, milking the lyrics for every ounce of humour. As he explains later, although Cave, Waits and Cohen are known for being dark and serious, they can also be very funny. He’s started on a fine note, but in case you are thinking you are in for a night of comedy pastiche, he follows up with a tender and respectful version of Cave’s Into My Arms. The mood changes again, with Waits’ songs such as Way Down In The Hole, Going Out West, and Hang On St Christopher being used to rock things out a little. A highlight comes from some unintended hilarity in Swordfishtrombones. Confusing the sex of the main character, he tries to persist but much to the amusement of the audience he realises he needs to abandon and start again. More humour in Tower Of Song, but the serious side of Cohen is captured with convincing versions of Famous Blue Raincoat, Bird On A Wire, Suzanne, and the inevitable Hallelujah. The Cave songs, including Red Right Hand and Sad Waters are particularly good. Again a lighter touch with The Ship Song being performed with accordion as a sea shanty – a winning touch! Mikelangelo is paying his respects. If you are fond of these three artists you wouldn’t want to miss this show! 4 stars Adrian Miller Mikelangelo Sings Cave – Waits – Cohen continues at La Bohème from 9pm until Sun Feb 26. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets. #ADLfringe