A big voice with strong vocal range, a dynamic personality, good humour, reflections about the world and homespun philosophy greet those who venture into Chapel off Chapel in a tribute to two prodigious talents with Bowie & Mercury Rising. Couple that with a highly accomplished pianist/keyboard player, in the form of creator Warren Mills. The award-winning musical director and composer has worked on Broadway shows over the past 30 years and has credits on more than 50 productions.
Bowie & Mercury Rising celebrates the music and lives of the couple who stamped their mark on world music through the eyes of a London actress who searches for hope after the former’s death (he passed away on 10 January 2016). Several favourite numbers are given treatment, along with some of the lesser lights, all with reverence.
From ballads to full-throated vocalisations, Zimbabwean-born, Melbourne-based Thando Sikwila (StageArt’s Dreamgirls) does it all. Her confidence and easy going manner wins us over from the get go. I am not sure what, if anything, the dance sequences added to the show, other than giving Sikwila frequent breathers.
Closing with “Heroes” and “We Are The Champions”, Bowie & Mercury Rising is a reminder of just how bright a legacy the gargantuan talents left. It is playing at Chapel off Chapel for only five shows, ending on 30 July 2017.
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Just a Couple of Song & Dance Men (Chapel off Chapel) – theatre review
- Amity Dry’s 39 Forever (Chapel off Chapel) – theatre review
- Britney Spears: The Cabaret (Chapel off Chapel) – theatre review
David Edwards is the editor of The Blurb and a contributor on film and television