Debora Krizak - Ssh Please there’s a Lady on the Stage – The Queens Theatre
Review Sunday 14/03/2021
 
Having just reviewed Debora Krizak in The Carpenters from Kempsey, I had to shut that performance out and review this on its own merit.  In case you didn’t read that review, it is a great show that you should really make the effort to see.
 
Even though it was an early timeslot 3.00 p.m. the event was nearly sold out and the crowd waited eagerly for the songstress to enter.
 
Apart from Musical Director Darren Mapes on piano, the band was made up of skilled local musicians, Cam Blokland – Guitar, Milush Piochaud – Bass and John McDermott on Drums.  Debora decided to use Adelaide musicians, to show her support for our home-grown talent. 
 
Working 9 to 5 was the opener and it is a long time since Debora has worked those shifts.  She spends her time these days working in theatre, navigating the challenges presented by Covid 19 and being a mum to her 12-year-old twins.  There is no doubt in her singing ability and Debora has come a long way from her days living as a young girl in Salisbury East to her current home in Sydney.  She has been a self-declared stripper, mole and a prostitute over the years but only in the theatre.  Debora looked every part the Diva in a Hollywood style electric blue full-length dress that sparkled for the duration of the show.
 
The song selection included Shirley Bassey’s Big Spender which was followed by the lesser known Everybody’s Girl from the Musical “Steel Pier.”  A Chorus Line was next with the also Marcia Hines recorded “What I did for Love,” There were stories of life in lockdown in Sydney and her own Magpie friendship ala movie “Penguin Bloom”.  Deb is able to mimic a number of bird sounds and dedicated a song to Steve the Magpie, coincidentally my name and I hoped she was singing to me.
 
There was a special moment in her version of the 1937 Benny Goodman, “The Glory of Love”, later recorded by Bette Midler in the movie “Beaches.”  The up-tempo numbers were great, but it is the ballads where she genuinely showed her heart to the audience.
 
I’m a Woman W-O-M-A-N and Helen Reddy’s I am Woman segued well into an Adele medley of Someone Like You and the Bond theme Skyfall which showcased her incredible vocal control and lyrical interpretation.  There was a rare insight into Deb’s personal life which joined the show together presenting an hour inside the musical mind of Debora Krizak.
 
Just before the encore, Musical Director -  Darren Mapes poignantly sang and played the Peter Allen penned “Quiet Please there’s a lady on the stage” which Allen wrote for Judy Garland.  Debora came back out to the musical spoof that is “Whatever happened to my part” from Spamalot, and finished with a lyrically changed version of “That’s Life”. 
 
Debora has talent in buckets, she defies her age and is a genuinely lovely Mum who has made an amazing and well-deserved career in musical theatre.  This show is a representation of her life and passion for music.  The audience love her and her mum who was there must have cheered the loudest.  Even though I am not related, I was proud of our SA export Mrs Krizak.  Debora, you can come back anytime and we will be here waiting to applaud you.
 
Book at https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/ssh-there-s-a-lady-on-stage-af2021
 
There is a lot to like about this show and it is largely due to the vocal prowess, personality and immense talent of Debora Krizak.  The show will be back at 6 p.m. on 20/03/2021 at the Queens, make sure you book soon.
 
**** 4.5 stars
    
 
Reviewer – Stephen Foenander for Adelaide Review Team (ART)
 
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