BWW Reviews: KILLING TIME is Mitchell Butel's delightful study of stages of the day, life and the passage of time.

Sunday 9 November 2014, 7:30pm Hayes Theatre Potts Point NSW

Mitchell Butel returns to the cabaret stage with KILLING TIME, first performed at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival in 2010. The award winning busy actor and singer is taking Sunday nights off from his role in EMERALD CITY and television and movie work to share this updated show with Sydney audiences. Butel has given the 90 minute show a few tweeks, added some new songs and updated references, keeping it fresh so even if you've seen the 2010 version, or bought the CD, it's worth seeing this incarnation.

As part of Hayes Theatre "Month of Sundays" series, KILLING TIME utilises the set of MIRACLE CITY which is currently showing during the week. The bare set with simple sparkly curtain backdrop works well with Butel's sleek black suit and 3 piece band of Daryl Wallis (Musical Director, keyboard), Michael Galeazzi (bass) and Joe Accaria (drums).

For the reworked show, Butel starts the "day" at dawn with Pat Metheny and Kurt Elling's Minuano, settling the audience from the world outside to a darkness and "waking" them to the potential that a new day holds whilst allowing his musicians to exhibit their talent. The premise of the show, time, it's passing, making use of it, philosophies pondering it and growing older, is covered in the song choices and the patter which includes self-deprecating anecdotes from Butel's own experiences and quotes from famous people. Butel's charm and comedic timing and self-stated position as "a bit of a nerd" makes this intellectual piece work with his clever observations on life and growing up draw lots of laughs.

For those familiar with the original show or the CD, they won't be disappointed as all of the original songs are included and a few new pieces are added. The songs have been reworked a little, with new tempos or varied lyrics to reflect the added maturity of 4 years and changes in society. The music ranges from comedic cabaret standards, musical theatre, country, jazz, and classic rock which showcases Butel's range and allows for some good solos from the band. The comedic and musical theatre numbers provide a good outlet for Butel's wonderful physicality from the grand movements to the little gestures and cheeky looks, most notably during the interpretation of Peter Mills' Way Ahead of My Time and the reworking of Bill Burnett's I regret Everything. Butel's playfulness and energy is infectious as the audience join in and its almost as if Butel is finally getting to 'let his hair down' and relax with this show in contrast to the set work of EMERALD CITY where he has to be more restrained.

Mitchell Butel in Killing Time is a must see for anyone. The premise of the passage of time affects everyone and the observations and reflections remain relevant. Regardless of age, the anecdotes are relatable. We've all been in similar situations or know people. The music is a broad mix from different genres and eras with recognisable tunes.

Whilst the current season has sold out it is worth following the Mitchell Butel Facebook Page and Hayes Theatre for further updates as to availability

***NEW SHOWS ADDED*** Friday 19th December and Saturday 20th December, 9pm ***NEW SHOWS ADDED***

KILLING TIME

Sunday 9, 23 & 30 November and 7 December - 7:30pm

Hayes Theatre, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point NSW

Mitchell Butel Facebook Page

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