Who would have thought you could blend the John Farnham classic You’re the Voice with Yothu Yindi’s Treaty, follow it up with The Seekers evergreen Georgy Girl, add a hint of Waltzing Matilda, and make it work. But Charmaine Jones and the Gospo Collective indeed make it work. Seamlessly.
It’s testament to Charmaine Jones’s multi-disciplinary talent as Director, Conductor, Arranger and Vocalist (and perhaps a bit of a Mother Hen), that the whole show is seemingly effortlessly seamless.
Australian classics (lost count), individual performances, slick choreography, spectacular lighting, a 30 something backing choir, a guest performance from a fellow Fringe performer – sadly we didn’t catch her name, but what a generous gesture, a stint round a piano, an obligatory selfie and the backing musos all blended to present a night of high energy, harmonious entertainment and fun.
Missed the Jones Juniors we’ve enjoyed before, but presumably they play at matinees. From the moment the Indigenous recognition and music happened on a darkened stage at the beginning of the show to the final all guns blazing finale of Xanadu, this show had the audience rapt. (Especially if they were Power supporters!)
Jukebox Chorus – The Ultimate Australian Playlist
Cornucopia – Gluttony, Rymill Park, East Terrace, Adelaide
Season continues to 15 March 2020
Information and Bookings: www.adelaidefringe.com.au
Image: Jukebox Chorus – courtesy of Gospo Collective
Review: Helen Lewis – courtesy of All About Entertainment