Stage West’s latest musical revue, created by long time favourite Lee Siegel, may be the gayest revue the company has ever done. The show includes tributes to Elton John, George Michael, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Madonna, and Cyndi Lauper among others.
And what a tribute. Siegel and choreographer Ken Overbey ensured that iconic moments from the music video generation are accurately done. The choreography for Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation is one of the most challenging of any song ever, and the cast nails it. During Bruce Springsteen’s " Dancing in the Dark "he swaggers through the audience to dance with an audience member. Sets from Madonna and George Michael also recreate some iconic imagery.
There’s extensive tributes to Billy Joel and Elton John. Which... features songs they wrote in the 1970s. But they are so good it is easy to overlook the technicality. The same goes for the show ending Queen tribute. Featuring Freddie’s Iconic yellow and white outfit, considering one of Queen’s most iconic performances took place in 1985, it can be forgiven.
The costuming is phenomenal. Little things like Axl Rose’s outfit and Slash missing a shirt during a Guns n’ Roses set, the military look for the aforementioned Rhythm Nation, and Elton having Crocodile headed dancers all take us back to when the visual medium was as important as the music itself.
Siegel taking the reigns on the concept has breathed new life into the Stage West Musical Revue which has been a regular part of the season for decades. If he continues to do them, the future of the concept is in great hands.
Grab your tight shirts, neon pants, and sweatbands and head to Stage West before August 31st. Tickets at www.stagewestcalgary.com
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Contributor Jason Clevett |
Locale Calgary |
Topic Stagewest | Theatre |
