Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne
Reviewed on February 3, 2018
Michael Dalton is an accomplished, veteran entertainer on both the local and international cabaret circuits.
His most high – profile creation is a fabulous female alter ego named Dolly Diamond. Armed with razor sharp wit, strong social media presence, and glamorous charm to spare, Dalton has sometimes joked that of the two, Diamond is the more famous star.
As a long – time member of the Theatre People reviewing team, I have had the pleasure of enjoying and critiquing Diamond’s work many times. To date, her impressive list of live production credits includes:
- Dolly Diamond’s ‘Blankety Blanks’;
- Dolly Diamond’s ‘Christmas In July’;
- Dolly Diamond’s ‘The Lady Is A Tramp’;
- Dolly Diamond’s ‘Piano Barre’;
- ‘The Real Queen Of Moomba’; and
- ‘Under A Big Top’.
It seems hard to imagine that Diamond is already celebrating her fifteenth anniversary in the industry. How time flies when you’re having fun!
To mark this special occasion, Dalton and his team assembled a lavish concert spectacular with something for everyone. Feeling very much at times like A Night At The Proms or similar, the resulting experience played for two exciting performances on Saturday February 3, at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre.
Promoted as a featured highlight for this year’s Midsumma Festival calendar, her show appeared as much a loving celebration of Diamond’s illustrious career, as it was about the importance of inclusion and community. There were many moments of audience participation, too, where her enamored viewers were encouraged to clap and sing along.
The exciting and varied guest list featured:
- Luke Gallagher;
- Rachel Dunham;
- Justin Clausen;
- Cameron Thomas;
- The Footscray – Yarraville City Band (conducted by their musical director, Phillipa Edwards);
- The Melbourne Gay & Lesbian Chorus (conducted by their musical director, Drew Downing);
- The Melbourne Rainbow Band (conducted by their musical director, Tracy Videon); and,
- The Phones, reuniting for the first time in twenty – seven years, in a once – only return.
Songs ranged from recent top forty pop, to classic hits, and show tune standards. In several instances, lyrics were hilariously revised and revamped to suit the event.
Tunes included:
- Happy;
- All Night Long;
- Kiss;
- Que Sera Sera;
- Time After Time;
- Love Is In The Air;
- River Deep – Mountain High;
- Crazy Little Thing Called Love;
- You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth;
- Bohemian Rhapsody;
- Delilah;
- Yesterday;
- Someone Like You;
- You Raise Me Up;
- On The Street Where I Live;
- Marry Me;
- I Am What I Am;
- YMCA;
- In The Navy; and,
- Together.
Though her show seemed tightly – scripted for the most part, the format allowed for several moments of brilliant improvisation. None more so, than when two latecomers did their best to sneak in unnoticed.
Seated in the front row, however, they became prime targets and instant comedy fodder. I really can’t repeat what Diamond said. But, how she was able to extract such innocent information like how the couple met, only to deliciously reconfigure it on the spot for everyone’s amusement, had this reviewer in fits of laughter.
Dolly Diamond’s 15 Year Anniversary Gala’s many highlights included:
- Luke Gallagher’s powerhouse renditions of Adele’s ‘Someone Like You’ and Secret Garden’s ‘You Raise Me Up’;
- The Melbourne Rainbow Band’s funky version of Pharrell’s ‘Happy’;
- Rachel Dunham’s moving take on The Beatles’ ‘Yesterday’;
- The Melbourne Gay & Lesbian Chorus, singing an original piece, celebrating the recent vote passing marriage equality, called ‘Marry Me’;
- The Phone’s expert, a capella musical arrangements of Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and Meat Loaf’s ‘You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth’;
- Backing singer, Justin Clausen’s killer Cher impersonation for the Tom Jones’ classic, ‘Delilah’; and,
- Dolly Diamond’s handsome male go go dancers. Dressed in sequin – encrusted bathers, the pair did some acrobatic choreography for several songs, meanwhile waving and weaving two giant inflatable watermelon slices. Their high camp antics would make Carmen Miranda proud.
From a technical stance, sound, lighting, and stage management were all flawless.
Adding to the regal sense of occasion, the show featured costume changes galore. Diamond’s custom – made gowns were designed by Matheiu Salem, and her elaborate hats were constructed by milliner, Kerry Stanley.
Once again, Diamond and her crew continue to amaze with her depth of talent, and cheeky sense of fun. I could not think of a better way to celebrate this special milestone.
Image Source: Herald Sun