Peggy Lee “Is That All There Is?”: Style And Grace Personified – Adelaide Fringe Review

Exhibition Hall/Pod 3 at National Wine Centre, Fri 23 Feb. [MUSIC/CABARET – UK] Setting a cruisy, sunset dinner show in the National Wine Centre was a stroke of genius on the part of UK-based Australian singer, Brigitte Baden-Rennie. Her homage to Peggy Lee, the sultry singer, songwriter, composer and actor of renown in the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s, is a delicious accompaniment to the beautifully spacious and artistic setting. With a singing and recording career spanning six decades (from 1941 – 1995) Peggy Lee was one of the most famous and accomplished female jazz singers of her time. Working with greats like Benny Goodman, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra, she also co-wrote and sang He’s A Tramp, the hit song from Disney’s animated film Lady And The Tramp (1956) and recorded four of the character voices on the film. In the 1980s, when the film was released on video and she was not paid any royalties, she took Disney to court and won. Brigitte Baden-Rennie doesn’t try to imitate Peggy Lee but performs the many and varied numbers in her own understated and easy style. She is a warm and witty host, who serves up a rich collection of Peggy’s songs, with a tantalising side-serve of titbits about the very talented woman and her colourful life. Accompanied on piano by the ever-fabulous Dave McEvoy with the delicious Jenna Bonavita on double bass, the menu is rich, tasteful and fun. There are well-remembered classics like Nice Work If You Can Get It, A Good Day From Morning To Night, I’m A Woman, Black Coffee, and Is That All There Is? and many more. Arguably, Lee’s most memorable hit, Fever is one of the only songs that can be sung delightfully to the unmistakable bass line accompanied only by finger snaps. This is a lovely show about a talented and interesting woman, played with grace and expertise by Brigitte Baden-Rennie and her very tasteful duo. Fans of Peggy Lee and beautiful, jazz-based musical excellence will love this show and appreciate just how prolific Lee’s career was. 4 stars Nikki Fort Peggy Lee “Is That All There Is?” continues at Gallery Room at National Wine Centre from 4pm on Sat 17 Mar (not a dinner show). Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 and adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets. #ADLfringe