Amity Dry clearly has a loyal following in Adelaide if the audience at her final performance of
Tapestry at the Promethean is anything to go by. There was a real warmth in the applause of this largely older crowd, who hummed along to many of the great songs from the ’60s to the ’80s.
Dry is an understated and unpretentious performer. She just gets up and sings, along with her three-piece band and back-up vocalist Charmaine Jones. The show opens with a somewhat underpowered rendition of “I Feel The Earth Move” and doesn’t really pick up pace until mid-way through with a powerful interpretation of “So Far Away”.
Other highlights included “Smackwater Jack” and the James Taylor classic “You’ve Got a Friend”. Unfortunately, a number of the songs were undermined by a harsh mix and various microphone problems.
There are no accoutrements of cabaret here – no slinky evening frocks for the girls, no sharp black suits for the boys.; this is more “come as you are” cabaret.
Singer/pianist Charmaine Jones deserves a special mention for her superb backing vocals and engaging stage presence. Jones has a voice that spans gospel to jazz and musical theatre, and she shines at everything she does.
The intimacy of the old Promethean Theatre is perfect for cabaret, with its sexy new décor, and manager Mike Thomas takes care to make his patrons feel special.
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