Like a cross between Hollywood’s Ziegfeld Follies and Havana’s Tropicana Club or a Las Vegas hotel show, albeit it on a smaller scale, Adelaide’s own Precizion Dance company brings a revamped version of their Frolic & Follies show to this year’s Adelaide Fringe.
It is cabaret at its best. A mixture of showgirls in a never ending parade of glitzy costume and pearly white smiles and their supporting male suitors, song and dance, comedy and a quest for love all choreographed expertly.
The girls are stunning, their costumes are a brightly coloured a mix of feathers, sequins and style with designs that would rival anything at the Tropicana or the Moulin Rouge filled the stage with glitz and glamour.  They are all big smiles, excellent ensemble and solo dancing routines.
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They are the backdrop to singer Alex’s quest for love. COVID lock downs have been hard on her and she needs to make up for lost time!  There is gentle comedy that follows her efforts to find a suitor including riding a pantomime horse and other whimsy.  The men play their part to aplomb with mock hurt at rejection and rough housing between the two of them to prove themselves.  Alex’s voice is great and she has a knack for musical theatre and comedy with her expressive looks mixing comedy and flirtation.
There is a mix of older and contempory music. Think Abba – Money, Money, Money, Marilyn Monroe – Diamonds are a Girl’s best friend, Bonnie Tyler, The White Stripes, John Lee Hooker, etc.  Sometimes the lyrics are left original and sometimes changed to fit a female narrative often with comic effect.
There is even room for a little bit of circus as one of the girls performs he box of spears routine as the guys ham it up with the audience.
There is beauty without tackiness, there is comedy without resorting to smut, the colours, costumes and talent makes Frolic & Follies a true feast for the senses!
Frolic & Follies is playing at various venues until March 14.
My verdict – 4.5 out of 5