Written and performed by Stephen Valeri, Your Diva Needs You takes cabaret, nostalgia, comedy, and a game show, then stitches them together into a glorious Frankenstein’s monster of a show.
Accompanied by a tremendous band in The Young Divas – featuring Andy Rousch on drums, Tyson Legg on bass, Kellie-Anne Kimber on keys and guest vocalist Jaclyn DeVincentis – Stephen takes the audience on a joyous sonic romp through his musical DNA.
A rudimentary quiz is held throughout the show, as Stephen quizzes those in attendance as to what the top 15 divas would be that meant so much to him when growing up.
Nostalgia can be a tricky emotion to work with onstage because it is so individual and personal, yet, Stephen wields it effortlessly here. He sends it back over the audience, as each Diva reveal comes with a magnificent version of one of that person’s or group’s famous hits (except for Bardot, as Stephen explains it’s more like, “Hit.”).
Stephen’s voice is incredible and it was fantastic to see what he and Musical Director, Tyson Legg, did with the various numbers. Admittedly, there were more than a few Aussie-centric jokes and reminiscences that flew far above my head, but what was grasped was this was a phenomenal show – part irreverent cabaret, all ecstatic musical joy.
Your Diva Needs You
The MC Showroom – Level 1, 48 Clifton Street, Prahran
Performance: Sunday 29 October 2017 – 8.00pm
For more information, visit Stephen’s Facebook Page for details.
Image: Stephen Valeri (supplied)
Review: David Collins