Blue: The Songs Of Joni Mitchell | His Majesty’s Theatre | til July 21 | ★ ★ ★ ★
There is something about musical theatre that can elevate the spirit and ignite the flame of passion, but to write a musical story with such sincere heartfelt emotion and have the audience spellbound for one hour, now that takes some serious ‘star power’.
Last night in the intimate theatre that is Downstairs at the Maj, two ‘star power’ performers, Queenie van de Zandt and Max Lambert (piano) took the opening night audience on a journey into the fairly-unfamiliar world of songwriter and singer, Joni Mitchell.
Van de Zandt and Lambert co-wrote this musical homage to Mitchell, (one wonders what comments Joni would have made if she was in the audience.) The 2018 Helpmann Award nominee production for Best Cabaret Show is a standout and judging by the standing ovation last night’s audience members agree as well.
Queenie’s breath control and pitch were right on the note, especially amazing considering she was suffering from bronchitis the previous day, something ever singer must dread.
A single spotlight, no fancy wiz-bang theatre gimmicks, a single facial portrait of Joni, a teapot, cup and saucer and that was it. No fuzzy distractions, just the emotive voice of Queenie van de Zandt and the delft keyboard hands of Max Lambert and his chewing gum ‘chompers’!
Joni’s story told in a small series of playback voice-overs as well as Queenie filling in following monologues kept the pace moving and never interfered with structure of the work, in fact it enhanced it. But it was the amazing ‘star power’ voice of Van de Zandt that filled the room and made Mitchell’s poetic song writing skills come alive with Both Sides Now being my favourite number of the show.
A memorable night by two of the best in the business, highly recommended!
Blue: The Songs of Joni Mitchell is Downstairs at the Maj from Thursday 19th July, head to ptt.wa.gov.au for tickets.
Terry Larder
