Presented by: Adelaide Festival Centre
Reviewed: 10 June 2014
Despite protestations to the contrary, we all love a good gossip. Spreading the news of who has done what has been a social mainstay for centuries. Television has enabled news-spreaders to air their scoops quicker with salacious pictures to match.
Whilst some have been vicious in their rumour-mongering most have been harmless and gained reputations for airing celebrity dirty laundry in amusing ways. One such person is American reporter Nelson Aspen who most would know as Channel 7’s Hollywood guru on Sunrise. Quick with wit and steely barbs, his tittle-tattling has masked his musical origins. Now, in a one-off performance, his show reveals more about his background than those of the stars he has enthusiastically talked about.
Bouncing onstage to enraptured applause, Aspen beamed at his audience like a Cheshire Cat. Enthralled by showbiz from an early age, all facets seem to fascinate him. Over the course of the very brisk 55-minute show, he discussed his first stage role at aged 5 and his love for musicals. A pop culture raconteur, his performance was interspersed with songs influencing him and celebrities he’s met. Whilst this was very entertaining, it highlighted the show’s lack of focus – it wasn’t particularly about anything other than reflections of his life.
He began by informing the audience his singing style could hit a few bum notes – of which there were several – but one couldn’t begrudge his perky enthusiasm. His song selections were certainly diverse – from variations of well-known TV themes to a few Broadway hits. His revealing of a tattoo he received in honour of his favourite movie The Poseidon Adventure led to him singing its popular theme tune There’s Got to be a Morning After. Camp, his choices were, but it wasn’t a show promising anything deep. He was ably backed by a 3-piece ensemble joining in the inoffensive merriment.
His love for Australia was evident as was his eagerness in audience participation. One hapless lady was brought on stage for a rendition of Kookaburra in the old Gum Tree, with the local iconic hit I’ve Been Everywhere Man given an American twist with the audience singing along.
He also dared everyone to a game dubbed Two Degrees of Nelson Aspen, where they had to link him to a living celebrity. Some were game and actually stumped him a few times – all of which added to the fun. His current foray in commercial TV also revealed itself as he numerously mentioned the sale of his books everyone could purchase in the foyer after the show.
Whilst quick in its brevity, An Evening with Nelson Aspen was entertaining fluff. Keen to reclaim his mantle as an all-round entertainer, he set out to amuse with a few laughs and songs and generally succeeded. His loyal audience certainly couldn’t get enough with his reign as Australia’s current gossip King sure to go unsurpassed for some time yet.
Reviewed by Patrick Moore
Venue: Space Theatre
Season: season ended
Duration: 1hr 10 mins
The Adelaide Cabaret Festival runs from 6 – 21 June 2014
More News
