Stewart Reeve The Chameleon – Gluttony Ukiyo
Review Friday 19/02/2021
Opening night at Gluttony and the Adelaide crowd were desperate for entertainment.
Stewart Reeve definitely gave them what they came for.
Stewart is blessed with an elastic voice that takes him from Anthony Newley to Annie Lennox and back with glimpses of the plethora of characters that live inside his head.
He attempted to give the audience vocal lessons but instead of joining in they clapped along and luckily sang with their inside voices.
He can save you money at the supermarket or at Dan Murphy’s by pretending to be the sounds of the barcode reader. I thought about recording it on my phone and playing it whilst doing the shopping.
The show is well structured with good production in an air-conditioned venue (thanks)
He referred to his family experience and a love of all things that glitter in show business but whilst this binds the show together it is his voice that crowds will remember.
There is a depth of power, control and emotion that Reeve is able to convey through his voice that compels the audience to listen.
He dropped in impressions including Phil Collins, David Bowie, Annie Lennox, Tina Turner, Anthony Newley and my personal favourite which was so accurate being Mick Hucknall from Simply Red.
It was not only the voice, but there were also facial expressions to match and some awkward style 80’s – 90’s dance moves which added to the overall experience.
Reeve chooses to tell his life story stapled together in a scrapbook of songs from a fun but sometimes, troubled childhood.
The almost 1-hour show flashed by in what felt like too short a time to be with The Chameleon. He left me wondering does he do Farnham and how could I get him to sing Send in the clowns or my favourite Newley song, What kind of fool am I.
I imagine the show with costume changes but how could that happen with his army of characters and only an hour to present them.
As the Fringe kicks in people will talk as they always do. They will remember the Chameleon and they will tell their friends as I suggest you do to go and see it.
Stewart Reeve will soon be playing to full houses and deservedly so.
***** 5 stars
     
You can catch the vocal masterclass/show at Gluttony Ukiyo from now until March 7, book your tickets below.
Stephen Foenander for Adelaide Review Team (ART)
https://adelaidefringe.com.au/.../stewart-reeve-chameleon...
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