Arts

Cabaret Fringe Review: Phelan Groovy

Phelan Groovy is full of songs and stories revolving around Dirty Dancing star, Kurt Phelan’s life.

Presented by Kurt Phelan
Reviewed 5 June 2016

The last time Adelaide musical theatre going audiences would have seen Kurt Phelan, would have been late 2015 on the Festival Theatre stage NOT putting Baby in a corner and having the time of his life. Yes, he was Johnny Castle in Dirty Dancing.

Now one can see him up close and personal, as himself. Phelan’s cabaret show, Phelan Groovy presents the audience with a well-groomed, good looking, fresh faced lovable young Aussie larrikin. He is extremely irreverent at times, but his cheeky smile and brilliant voice charm their way into our hearts from the get-go.

Phelan’s parodies are hard hitting and close to the bone at times while somehow staying extremely hilarious. The movie version of Les Miserable may well experience a miserable drop in DVD sales after hearing Phelan’s melodious film review; and although there is a rather ‘catty’ (but hilarious) send-up of a certain Australian stage diva, we are assured that she has given her blessing.

But mixed in with these scurrilous successes, are some of the most beautiful poignant moments to grace the small La Boheme stage.

Phelan Groovy is full of songs and stories revolving around Phelan’s life: from his rather painful (for his mother anyway) entrance into the world through to his experiences working for the Disney organisation and dancing dirtily. Because we are told at the beginning of the show that Phelan’s motto is ‘Never let truth get in the way of a good story’, one has to wonder how much of what we are hearing is true – but then again, most good stories work better if they are based on solid truth.

Kurt Phelan gives his audience a groovy, funky, fun night out with an incredibly slick, well paced, polished performance, While Phelan’s Johnny Castle was brilliant, his Kurt Phelan is even better!

Reviewed by Brian Godfrey
Twitter: @briangods

Rating: 5 out of 5

Venue: La Boheme  36 Grote Street, Adelaide
Season: 8 – 11 June 3016
Duration: 1 hour 15 mins
Tickets: $25 – $30
Bookings: Book through www.cabaretfringefestival.com

As a very special offer to Glam Adelaide readers, when you look to book a ‘Adult’ ticket, enter the promotional code ‘phelanit’ to receive a discount. Book your tickets here now!

 

 

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