Review: CHOIR OF MAN 07.03.21 THE MOA GLUTTONY
Rarely do you get an opportunity to see a group of performers totally committed, well-rehearsed and professional from start to finish. It was a rollicking, dancing, sing-fest, set in a pub atmosphere, and the 500 strong audience loved them.
Even before the show started, there were enthusiastic words of encouragement to the crowd from the 9 male singers as they were positioning themselves on stage…and we appreciated it. Opening words suggested that the audience come to the front of the stage for a beer, courtesy of Coopers. It’s hard not to like someone who offers you free beer.
The Choir of Man ran through a series of highly infectious songs, beginning with “Welcome to the Jungle”, showing off their excellent harmonies and movement. This was followed by a rousing version of “Wake Me Up When It’s All Over”, a more reflective “Impossible Dream”, which included challenging close position harmonies, and Paul Simon’s “50 Ways To Leave Your Lover”, featuring an excellent tap sequence. Each song highlighted outstanding choreography and stage movement. They were like a school of fish moving effortlessly about their space, individually and yet together. The moves were highly rehearsed and skilfully executed.
George connected many of the songs with wonderful stories about pubs, inviting us to “come one and all” to the public house. He spoke very well, with a folksy charm and genuine warmth, as did all of the performers. “Pina Colada” was followed by “I Gotta Be” by the Proclaimers, in which the pianist teased us with tempo variations, before finally succumbing to audience pressure and releasing the sing-along hounds. The 70 min set was rounded off by “Under the Bridge”, “Somebody to Love” and a killer version of “You’re the Voice”. The encore song for this talented “nonet” was an a Capella piece entitled “The Parting Glass”, showcasing their strong collective voices.
The energy of the Choir of Man was amazing. It is easy to think that whilst the attention is on one individual, the others can relax somewhat…but that never happens. They show their indefatigable commitment every second they are on stage, complimenting each other with their movement, dancing and singing. It is clear that a lot of work has gone into polishing this act.
The show was highly enjoyable and very professional.
The Choir of Man deserves every one of the 5 stars in our review, strongly recommended as a best of picks for the Fringe
Five Stars
*****
Peter Zubreckyj for Adelaide Review Team (ART)
https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/the-choir-of-man-af2021
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