| Showqueen | Trevor Ashley |
| Written by Vito Mattarelli |
| Monday, 19 January 2009 20:15 |
 Left - Matthew Robinson. Cover - Margi De Ferranti Best known as one of the original cast members from the hugely successful Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – the Musical, Trevor Ashley is a long-established performer on Sydney’s cabaret and drag scene. Last year he presented a series of successful cabaret nights called Showqueen Sundays, featuring a line-up of talented performers from the Music Theatre and Cabaret worlds. The show made its Melbourne debut the opening weekend of the Midsumma Festival – with an amazing line-up of artists that varied slightly each night. At Saturday’s performance, Trevor, who hosts each show, opened with a great rendition of Elton John’s Club at the End of the Street, changing lyrics somewhat to suit a largely gay audience. The first act’s impressive talent included Marney McQueen (also from Priscilla) presenting a very funny rendition of Making Love Alone. David Harris (Miss Saigon) followed with a beautiful version of Save the Last Dance and a tribute to Peter Allen. The ever funny Phil Scott, a beautiful rendition of Errol Flynn and Little Jazz Bird from Avigail Herman, and Matthew Robinson’s (Metro Street) show-stopping Boyband completed the act. Act Two introduced us to the amazing voice of Josie Lane (Spelling Bee). Still in her early 20s but with several big musicals already behind her, as well as the upcoming Avenue Q, she belted out Live Out Loud, proving why she was cast as one of the Divas in Priscilla. James Millar (The Hatpin) provided one of the night’s many surprises with a great number from Sweet Smell of Success, and the startlingly subversive Lullabye. Chelsea Plumley (Sunset Boulevard) showed us yet again that she has perfect comic timing with her passive audience participation involvement. Margi De Ferranti (Mamma Mia) ended on a high with Skylark and I am Changing, proving that she has one of the best voices in the business. As an encore, the very likeable Trevor performed an hilarious send-up of Shirley Bassey singing Never, Never, Never. Shows such as Showqueen are not new. From the Hats Off fundraisers to the old Piano Bar at the Chapel, there have been many opportunities for talented performers such as these to strut their stuff and display their talents and personalities. However, with the kind of line-up Trevor has brought together, one cannot walk away without being suitably impressed and amazed by each guest performer. With a fun, relaxed atmosphere, and great support from the trio of musicians collectively called The Beverages, one has to congratulate Trevor and hope that Melbourne audiences will have the opportunity to enjoy more Showqueen presentations. Trevor Ashley presents Showqueen Venue: Chapel Off Chapel | 12 Little Chapel St, Prahran, Melways: Map 2L Ref J10 Dates: 16 – 18 January Times: Fri and Sat 8pm, Sun 8:30pm Tickets: $30 Full, $25 Con and Groups 10+ (+ transaction fee) Bookings: 03 8290 7000 or www.chapeloffchapel.com.au
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Comments (3)Subscribe to this comment's feed...
I just saw Showqueen last night. It was quite by accident.
I was blown away by David Harris' rendition of save the last dance. I immediately bought the CD and have played that song on repeat. Unfortunately it is the only great song on the cd. David really nailed this song.
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January 26, 2009
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