Adelaide’s own charming prince of cabaret returned home for the world premiere of his new show ‘Michael Griffiths – Lucky: Songs By Kylie’.
Held across the opening weekend of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, ‘Lucky’ saw Helpmann Award-winning Michael channel his inner pop diva to pay tribute to Australia’s impossible princess Kylie Minogue.
Held in the Space Theatre – which was transformed into a cabaret lounge complete with small, candlelit tables and balcony seating – ‘Lucky’ is written and performed as a ‘tell all’ performance, with Michael assuming the role of Kylie. While the intimate setting perfectly suited the style of show it did make the usually expansive theatre feel cramped and claustrophobic as audience members fought for space among the tightly packed tables.
As Kylie, Michael took the audience on a musical journey through her life, sharing songs and anecdotes about everything from her humble beginnings on ‘Neighbours’, her rise to musical fame and her turbulent love life. Taking to the stage in a simple yet classy white shirt and black pant combo (no cheeky gold shorts to be seen thank goodness) Michael – accompanied by a talented three piece band – launched into the show’s opening number ‘I Should Be So Lucky’. But it seemed luck was not on Michael’s side on Saturday night (10 June) as he forgot the lyrics midway through the song, the first in a handful of mistakes he eloquently laughed off as “brain fart” moments.
Michael’s larger-than-life personality allowed him to deliver his own unique impersonation of the pop princess and his ability to not just laugh at but also completely own his mistakes made for some truly funny moments. There were plenty of chances for audience interaction as Michael quizzed audience members about Kylie’s life and even pulled one unsuspecting young man up on stage for what turned out to be an incredibly entertaining duet.
While his band members shone on the guitars and drums Michael demonstrated his musical prowess on the piano and his equally impressive vocal talents added a new twist to songs including ‘Locomotion’, ‘Can’t Get You Out Of My Head’ and ‘Step Back In Time’.
Whether you’re a hardcore Kylie fan or (like me) have not followed her career particularly closely, ‘Lucky: Songs By Kylie’ had something for everyone and judging by the reactions of those in attendance, it was the next best thing to sitting down for a chat with the singer herself.
