Review: Christina Bianco Delights Sydney With Her Collection Of Impressions In The Seasonal Celebration O COME ALL YE DIVAS

Saturday 15th December 2018, 5pm, The Studio Sydney Opera House

Vocal powerhouse Christina Bianco brings her brilliant talent for impersonating female performers back to Sydney for the Christmas concert O COME ALL YE DIVAS. Supported by a three piece band led by her musical director Joe Louis Robinson, the engaging evening of cabaret covers an incredible swathe of Divas as well as a share of songs presented in Bianco's own voice.

New York actress, singer and impressionist Bianco hit international fame when her 2013 YouTube video of her 54 Below performance of Total Eclipse of the Heart caught the attention of the world as she channeled pop and musical theatre greats. Through the 80 minute concert Bianco shares that the talent for taking on other voices started at a young age singing along to the television and movie musicals and turning into what she suspects was an "annoying parakeet" as a small child seeking to entertain herself, taking on the tone and style of singers. Bianco's strategy is to seek out 'unlikely interpretations' of songs certain singers would never cover, unlike other impersonators who recreate performers repertoire. She considers that "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" and even though there are some absurd pairings, each are "done with respect and love" as she channels not only vocal styles but also performers physicality.

For O COME ALL YE DIVAS Bianco draws on the trend for big name singers to release Christmas records or present Live concerts and Christmas specials as she shares a selection of Christmas songs in both her own voice and those of the great Divas from around the world. Bianco engages well with the audience as she shares her passion for celebrating the female artists she includes in her line up as well as giving an insight into her own story. As well as giving the songs delivered as impersonations a new twist, Bianco and Robinson also give the pieces delivered in Bianco's own voice a new twist with jazzier tempos. The songs range from the familiar to more obscure Christmas songs along with some special nods to Australia with an amusing rendition of Barbara Streisand singing an Australian Christmas song and channeling Kath and Kim's Kath Day-Knight. An amusing read of Dr Seuss also allows 'Divas' not known for their singing to be included in the concert whilst sharing Bianco's unusual family traditions for the season.

Whilst O COME ALL YE DIVAS only ran for a short season hopefully Christina Bianco will return to Sydney soon. As well as being incredibly talented she also has a warm and engaging stage presence with a delightful playfulness, making the cabaret audience comfortable and eating out of her hand.