Presented by Adelaide Festival Centre in association with Luckiest Productions
Reviewed 13 June 2014
It wasn’t just the full moon or the fact that it was Friday the 13th that put some magic in the air. David Campbell and John Bucchino created their own enchanting evening on the Festival Theatre stage with their splendid new cabaret show David Campbell sings John Bucchino.
The pair, friends for 17 years, presented as gracious, genuine and relaxed, and like the best beloved stars, they don’t seem to take themselves too seriously. They were highly entertaining as they conveyed fabulous tales of love and loss through their chat and songs. Gorgeous lighting, atmospheric smoke and intimate cabaret-style seating (on the main stage) all contributed to this stellar show which faithfully delivered a selection of Bucchino’s Broadway and film songs.
Bucchino and Campbell opened with Sweet Dreams and Something Spontaneous, quickly establishing we were in for a very special cabaret treat. Talking happily between numbers, we heard the story of how the pair met, how Bucchino grades his relationships, and other amusing tales.
On My Bedside Table, the fabulous self-help song Bucchino wrote when relationship failure gave way to rage, delivered amusing therapeutic lessons for all. Other highlights included stunning renditions of Unexpressed and It’s Only Life showcasing Campbell’s broad range and perfectly controlled voice.
From the Steinway (which he wanted to take home), Bucchino revealed how Campbell came to have the role of Ben Affleck’s singing voice in the film “Joseph: King of Dreams”, following which they performed a wonderful rendition of Better Than I. The back-story of “Walter” and his butcher’s knife added much intrigue to It Feels Like Home, before Campbell thrilled with What You Need. The inspirational tune Taking the Wheel made me want to throw away my pencil, before the final, and arguably most beautiful of the songs, Grateful (which I certainly was for being present).
This was a fantastic show; cabaret doesn’t get better than these guys, and because Bucchino never plays his songs the same way twice, an unforgettable concert experience.
Reviewed by Gordon Forester
Twitter: @GordonForester
Venue: Festival Theatre stage
Season: season ended
Duration: 70 minutes
The Adelaide Cabaret Festival runs from 6 – 21 June 2014
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