[THEATRE ~ AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE ~ USA] RCC Fringe – Bonython Hall, Fri 9 Mar. Making their Australian premiere, the OBIE Award-winning Reverend Billy & The Stop Shopping Choir: EARTHALUJAH! is part performance/part religious sermon but all anti-consumerism and pro-environment activism. The Reverend Billy and his choir is made up of a diverse group of performers, all dressed in splendent shades of neon and all boasting to be wild anti-consumerist gospel shouters. The choir and their leader’s beliefs are not hollow or just for our enjoyment, they practise what they preach, having previously staged guerrilla-style theatre and anti-corporate performances for years in their home town of New York City. Using Evangelicalism as a template for their performance and dogma, the show is structured like a genuine church service. Full of sermon and song, the choir is backed by a keyboard, bass and full voiced belief in their ideology. The Rev. Billy is the star of the show, in all his southern preacher glory, right down to a coiffed silver bouffant and clerical collar. He leads his congregation with effortless piety and philosophy, moving from songs and sermons about the importance of protest, the evil of advertising and that the end of world will eventually come via our unsustainable obsession with consumerism, hence the need to stop shopping. Although, at times, the performance seemed to lack momentum, seemingly stumbling to reach its intended juncture, this didn’t stop the audience enjoyment and interaction, as they were clearly preaching to the converted. There is no fire and brimstone to be found here, instead the Reverend, the choir and its fantastic featured soloists fill the hall with a beautiful harmony of sound, mind and message of love conquering all. 4 stars Robert Tompkins Reverend Billy & The Stop Shopping Choir: EARTHALUJAH! continues at RCC Fringe – Bonython Hall from 6.15pm until Sun 10 Mar. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets. #ADLfringe #RCCfringe