A PRODUCTION with a songsheet more hard rock in content than is customary for tribute shows at the Barnyard Theatre, Six of the Best is a slick, pacy and enjoyable entertainment that attracted a large and satisfied crowd at Sunday’s performance.
Featuring a 10-member cast, it is a salute to six great recording stars, although, good as she is, I seriously question the inclusion of songs by relative newcomer Pink among a stellar lineup with such seasoned icons as Freddie Mercury, Billy Joel, Cher, Jon Bon Jovi and Meat Loaf.
That said, there’s lots to enjoy in this production which features strong vocalists and a most welcome new face in effervescent 21-year-old Darren Vercuiel, who easily steals the show. If the name rings a bell, you were probably a fan of M-Net’s search for a cast for a touring stage production of High School Musical.
Vercuiel landed the plum role of flamboyant Ryan in the hit show and also toured internationally with it. More recently he landed a role in Grease, and Six of the Best marks his first appearance at Gateway’s Barnyard.
Vercuiel is a constant and obvious standout as the queen of Queen, Freddie Mercury, in a production that has him bursting with energy and camping things up to the hilt.
He has a strong stage presence, a powerful and extensive vocal range and an obvious flair for dance but, it has to be pointed out, he would benefit from some toning down in synchronised routines with colleagues who don’t exude nearly as much campy, vampy razzle-dazzle.
Starring as Meat Loaf, appearing in long wig and always clutching the red handerchief or scarf that became the frantic rocker’s trademark, is Tiaan Rautenbach, who does a great job – and that’s a kudo coming from someone who has no taste for Meat Loaf.
On fine form, too, is Ray Oberholzer as Jon Bon Jovi, while appearing as Cher, and performing in fun replicas of her many revealing, iconic outfits, is Lizaan Vermeulen, seen in LM Radio and Sixties Summer of Love at Gateway’s Barnyard.
Attractive and strong-voiced Yvette Barnard fits well into Pink mode, albeit that poor diction often muffles many of her lyrics, and last, but not least, we have James Dobson as “Piano Man” Billy Joel, tinkling away at a glittery baby grand positioned centre stage against a backdrop of a cityscape and twinkling lights.
Other musicians, on stage throughout, are lead guitarist Marcus Thatcher, drummer Alan Lloyd, bassist Bongani Sokhela and saxophonist, keyboardist and backing vocalist Kirsty Madgin, who also handles harmonica.
Six of the Best follows the usual Barnyard format of a silly voiceover narrative – this time waffle about an alien in 2033 looking back at music icons from Earth, or something to that effect – and, as usual, blends medleys, solo spots, group performances and arrangements that mesh songs by different artists.
It’s the usual flow of hits, but there are two particularly inspired theatrical moments.
The first is a first-half finale that cleverly yoyos between Meatloaf’s Bat Outta Hell and Queen’s classic Bohemian Rhapsody. It’s very well done, and atmospherically lit by Michael Broderick.
Of note, too, is a fun second-half sequence that cleverly uses songs associated with all six music icons in a tongue-in-cheek Rocky Horror Show tribute that works a treat.
Other highlights?
Certainly Vercuiel’s The Great Pretender and A Kind of Magic, Dobson’s New York State of Mind and Just the Way You Are, Vermeulen’s Walking in Memphis(I really missed not having Cher’s classic ’70s hit, Dark Lady, in the show), Barnard’s Perfect, and Oberholzer’s Bed of Roses and Always.
Nice, too, is a spirited rock ’n’ roll sequence incorporating Paradise By the Dashboard Light, It’s Still Rock ’n’ Roll To Me and Crazy Little Thing Called Love.
Six of the Best is scheduled to run until August 28.
Tickets cost R125 for performances from Wednesday to Saturday and R90 on Tuesday nights and at Sunday matinees.
To book or for any further information, call 031 566 3045.