Vocalist and entertainer Bonnie Lee Galea brings her Blonde Bombshells Of Jazz show to Adelaide Fringe this year, a tribute to the golden-haired singers of yesteryear.
The show features Bonnie and her partner-in-song Kerry Reid performing the classic tunes of iconic, atomic female jazz singers such as Marilyn Monroe, Rosemary Clooney, Doris Day, Peggy Lee and more, all backed by the Jazz In Cheek Quartet.
What can audiences expect from this show?
[Bonnie] Great music, interesting and entertaining selection of songs, great musicians… I think I should name them: the significant Steve Todd on drums, the resonating Richard Coates on keys, the jubilant Josh Chenoweth on trumpet and the quintessential Quinton Dunne on double bass from the Beggars.
There will be laughs, with Mae West dropping a few one liners and Rosemary Clooney teaming with great pal Marlene Dietrich for a few numbers. And Doris Day joins the stage with Peggy Lee for a song with Dean Martin also chiming in or is it Jack Jones?
The audience will definitely be entertained. In particular, Kerry and I would love to know prior to the show if it is anyone's birthday on the night. Just let the door person know to pass it on to Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield.
Why focus on just the blondes?
[At Adelaide] Fringe this year, I wanted to set a contrast to my show last year which focused on Three Famous Black Female Blues/ Jazz Singers from the early 20th Century: Bessie, Billie and Dinah.
So focusing on the Blonde Bombshells Of Jazz seemed an obvious choice. It means that we are honing in on certain, celebrated characters of the '30s, '40s, '50s and '60s, and some famous songs from those eras that are connected strongly to those bombshells.
Even ladies like Etta James and Joyce Bryant, dying their hair blonde to stand alongside many of the other jazz singers of the day. It was a big thing at the time. The music was fantastic; the elegance, the charm and the bands and orchestras outstanding.
You portray a number of notable jazz singers; how do you prepare for each character?
Thank Google for YouTube! Watching clips of them performing and trying to capture the essence of them and their nuances. Performances, interviews or real-life footage of them that are at our fingertips help interpret their manner, feelings, sound. It’s the blonde hair that is the biggest objective for me I think.
With Kerry on board not just as a singer, but bringing her other expertise and passions of dresser, set designer, actress and artist is huge in realising this show's potential.
Who is your blonde bombshell role model?
I find it difficult to have favourites, always have. But for different reasons two of my top choices are Peggy Lee with her sassy interpretations of standards and Rosemary Clooney. I do love Mae West with her one liners that stop you in your tracks. Though, doesn’t everyone?
In the time time you've been doing this show, have you found that blondes have more fun?
We will see. Our first show is Friday 2 March. We will get back to you on that one.
Who are some modern blonde bombshells you admire?
Now ain’t there some greats who have also portrayed these ladies or at least their music: Gwen Stefani, Madonna, Diana Krall, Christina Aguilera, Melody Gardot.
Blonde Bombshells Of Jazz takes place as part of the Frusic programme at Adelaide Fringe with shows at Port Dock Brewery 2 March and The A Club 9-10 March.
