Due to overwhelming demand, At Last: The Etta James Story is returning to Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from 12 November, following sell-out seasons at the Sydney Opera House and major theatres around the country.
Starring the powerhouse talent of Vika Bull, one of Australia’s most respected, powerful soul singers, At Last has garnered standing ovations and rave reviews throughout its Australian tour.
Written by critically acclaimed UK author John Livings, At Last: The Etta James Story is a narrative concert telling the story of Etta James’ 57 year career alongside spectacular performances of her heart wrenching music.
Vika Bull has sung alongside some of Australia’s most iconic voices including Paul Kelly, John Farnham, Tim Finn and The Black Sorrows, and supported world famous musicians Bob Dylan, Sting, Joe Cocker and Billy Joel.
She has maintained a successful music career with her sister Linda, helping The Black Sorrows to achieve multi-platinum status in the 1980s, and releasing their own albums.
But it is in At Last, her first solo headline show, that Vika has finally been given the opportunity to showcase the true depth and range of her soulful, gusty voice, as she belts out the repertoire of one of the world’s most powerful female singers.
“I’m just blown away by how well the show has been received!” says Vika Bull.
“When this journey started less than a year ago, I was so nervous about being able to do it right. But the response has been amazing, it’s incredibly humbling.”
The narrative concert sees Vika put her heart into telling the story of Etta’s turbulent life and give over her soul to voice Etta’s most beloved songs including Tell Mama, Something’s Got A Hold On Me, Pushover, the heart rending I’d Rather Go Blind, her iconic signature song At Last and many more.
Trumpet player and successful actor Tibor Gyapjas narrates alongside Vika, as the voice of the fans and fellow musicians throughout Etta’s prolific career. Etta James’ career was shadowed by recurring problems with drug addiction; her time spent playing to thousands of fans juxtaposed with periods inside several prisons and rehab clinics.
In the 1990s Etta became recognized as one of the first to bridge the gap between rhythm & blues, rock & roll and pop. She has since inspired the careers of a new generation of artists such as Christina Aguilera, Joss Stone, Amy Winehouse and Adele.
Backed by a sizzling hot 8 piece band, Vika Bull sings Etta James songs with raw emotion, punctuated by an intimate telling of Etta’s tumultuous life.
At Last: The Etta James Story
Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins St, Melbourne
Season: 12 – 24 November 2013
Bookings: (03) 9650 1500 or online at: www.ticketek.com.au
For more information, visit: www.atlasttheettajamesstory.com.au for details.
Image: Vika Bull
