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Fringe Review: 39 Forever

For those of you who only think of The Block when you hear the name Amity Dry, you are sadly missing out; for there is so much more to this sparkling little pocket rocket of talent.

Presented by Pop Jam Productions
Reviewed 12 March 2017

For those of you who only think of The Block when you hear the name Amity Dry, you are sadly missing out; for there is so much more to this sparkling little pocket rocket of talent. Ms Dry is also an accomplished singer/songwriter; author of the hugely successful musical Mother, Wife And The Complicated Life (about to open later this year in London); possessor of a great sense of humour; and turning 40 this year.

39 Forever is the tribute(?) that Dry has constructed to not only assuage herself of any fears and concerns that magical number seems to contain, but others (especially women) as well.

But this is not just a show for females ‘of a certain age’, even though, on the night reviewed, many women were leaving the venue saying “She’s got it so right”. Men, trust me,you also will see the light and enjoy this immensely entertaining hour of ‘new found girl power’.

Dry is hilarious and so honest in telling her story of revelling and rebelling in her teens, then growing into a woman and mother and fearing of becoming invisible after the big Four Ohhh!. She is as sparkling and glittery as her beautiful gown and an 80s Glitter Ball. Her voice is clear, crisp and strong with some notes that Streisand and Midler would kill for. Speaking of those two ladies: they fit very well into Dry’s theory of ageing, but you’ll have to see the show to find out what I mean.

Dry sings old (well, 80s and 90s) hits, as well as some of her own great compositions – the one about falling in love and marrying is absolutely beautiful. And then there are the hilarious parodies: All By Myself about child rearing and breast feeding (okay men, we may be a little out of our depth here, but it’s still funny stuff); You’re So Vain about facial surgery and Botox; and in Dry’s astute hands even Circle Of Life takes on new meaning.

Special mention must go to Ms Dry’s great (and also funny) keyboardist, Jamie Burgess. It’s his first Adelaide Fringe and hopefully he will perform in many more to come.

This is definitely a show that has come of a certain age but spreads itself across the years and even gender. It’s a wonderful birthday present from Amity to us all (and who’s going to argue with the hoards of ladies clamouring for a ‘selfie’ with her after the show?)

Go see the lovely Amity Dry and remain 39 Forever.

Reviewed by Brian Godfrey
Twitter: @briangods

Rating out of 5: 5

Venue: Gluttony
Season: Until 19 March 2017
Duration: 60 mins
Tickets:  $20 – $37
Bookings:  https://www.adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/39-forever

 

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