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Jonny Woo - Night at the Musicals
Birmingham Rep Door
***** JONNY Woo returns to Cabaret XXL for the
second time, this time bringing a trio of talent to help explore a
diverse deconstruction of the musical and musical theatre. In contrast to his
previous show featuring tales of his substance fuelled days of student
life in the Midlands, tonight’s offering was a full blown musical revue,
featuring songs ranging from the likes of
Les Misèrables
to The Bodyguard. At times the musical performances were far from
the intended send up in content but actually came out as superb musical
performances alongside Rudi Douglas and Sooz Kempner, with some
additional comical drag interpretations by the very funny Myra Dubois. Jonny began with Sooz
in a duo and it was clear Miss Kempner was equipped with a very capable
voice proving her ability later on when soloing with Queens,
Somebody to Love me
and a decent impression of Christine Aguilera. Accompanied by the
larger than life Myra Dubois the pairing managed a respectable version
of Defying gravity
from Wicked
albeit with a comical overtone. Ms Dubois also hammed her way through an
amusing version of On My Own
from Les Misèrables. Underplayed on the night was keyboard player Rudi
Douglas. Decked in his own revealing glittery costume, blond wig, high
heels and moustache, he also proved he had a great voice. Further
internet detection work reveals he was an X factor hopeful but has since
carved a more serious and independent following on You Tube and has some
considerable talent and is worth checking out. Jonny Woo himself was
in full form. His six foot form decked out in sequins and heels creating
a range of theatrical drag inventions and treating one unsuspecting
audience member to a full on lap dance whilst performing
Mein Herr
from the musical Cabaret. The foursome created a high value evening of
entertainment and although Jonny is the lead his entourage possibly
deserved equal billing and that just may have drawn a larger crowd on
the night. A standing ovation and call for encores from the
appreciative crowd was not possible other than a brief reappearance from
Jonny to say thank you. If that was down to available time or theatre
timings then it was just a shame. Jonny and his associates certainly wooed the
crowd and the adage of leaving them wanting more could and should have
been dispensed with here to cap off what was a quality night of talent
and risqué entertainment. Jeff Grant 25-11-16
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