Review: ADELAIDE CABARET FESTIVAL 2017: THE SOUND OF FALLING STARS at Dunstan Playhouse

Reviewed by Barry Lenny, Wednesday 21st June 2017.

The Sound of Falling Stars is one of the world premiere performances at this year's Festival and it is ready to take the world by storm. Written and directed by cabaret guru, Robyn Archer, it stars, in every sense of the word, Cameron Goodall, accompanied by two marvellous musicians, Enio Pozzebon on keyboards and George Butrumlis on piano accordion, with the two also adding superb backing vocal harmonies.

Tony Harding's stark set, and Geoff Cobham's usual thoughtful and evocative lighting, combine to provide a universal backdrop that suits all of the material beautifully.

The concept is to revisit many of the popular singers, from the 1950s to today, who died young with their careers in the ascendancy. An interesting idea, you might think, and a chance to hear some familiar music again. The performance, though, goes so far beyond that idea as Goodall takes on the personas of each of the singers as they appear and vanish again in the narrative, to tell their stories and sing their songs.

The only costume changes used to create the different characters are the removal and replacing a jacket and shirt, and the change of guitars to suit each genre of music. Everything else is achieved by Goodall, changing facial expressions, body language and, of course, his voice.

Before our eyes, he becomes Sid Vicious, who died aged only 21, to begin the procession of past stars, switching to Elvis, Hank Williams, and then, moving as far away from these artists as once can get, Mario Lanza. He had only just begun. Over thirty singers pass in and out over the course of seventy incredible minutes.

When Goodall first appeared on the Adelaide theatre scene after graduating from the Fliders University drama course, there was no doubt that he was going places, and then he showed his musical talents in the very successful, ARIA Award-winning band, The Audreys. He moved interstate and recently appeared as Zazu, for a two and a half year run, in that popular musical, The Lion King. It is pleasing that he has chosen to premiere this work back here in Adelaide, and it was no surprise that this respected and much-loved artist drew a full house.

Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens were there, along with Ricky Nelson, Bobby Darin, Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, of course, Tim and Jeff Buckley, Kurt Cobain, and many more. Goodall transmogrified into each one, like a human chameleon, every vocal inflection, every mannerism, conjuring up the spirits of those whom he honoured in this bravura performance.

There was, of course, a standing ovation at the end of the performance, and this production must surely tour the world, with its universal appeal and brilliant performances. If there is still a ticket left for the second performance, on Thursday evening, do everything that you can to make sure that you book it. Shows like this are rare.

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