Midsumma 2011: Liza (on an E) reviewed
Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 2:10PM
The fabulous Trevor Ashley opened his smash hit show Liza (on an E) for Midsumma 2011 in Melbourne on the 23rd to the capacity crowd. The rave reviews are pouring in. Read them all here, and grab your tickets while you can - they’re selling fast!
*Extra show has been added on the 6th of February due to popular demand*
Reviews from the Midsumma 2011 season
…parody is not the show’s main drawcard, and the altered lyrics aren’t what had the audience eating out of Ashley’s hand. That honour belongs to Ashley’s lung-busting big notes, and the way he channels Liza’s raw need to be adored. Ashley will jump through any hoop to keep you entertained, and he always keeps the outline of the awkward, emotionally frail girl shimmering behind the star.
Trevor Ashley is a born performer, and his Liza (on an E) is the most charismatic drag cabaret since Paul Capsis’ Boulevard Delirium.
Click here to read the full review by Cameron Woodhead.
Trevor… has worked long & hard to capture, and grossly exaggerate, the mannerisms and speech patterns of a showbusiness legend. The local references and family jokes went down a treat to the capacity opening night throng of adoring fans. Many of the jokes are howlingly funny, some a little cruel (Lorna Luft: when she puts on a show, nobody comes). But at all times the crowd is in the palm of the hand of the lady centrestage, as Trevor moves effortlessly evoking not just Liza, but also Judy Garland (at times).
Click here to read the full review by Vito Mattarelli.
Trevor Ashley’s Liza on an E has cemented itself as one of the highlights of the Midsumma Festival after an opening night performance of pure star quality.
The crowd ate up every one of Ashley and co-writer/director Dean Bryant’s skillfully-written reworking of Minnelli’s classics and infused the intermittent banter with charming comedy that could easily have been lazily lumped together.
Click here to read the full review by Drew Sheldrick.
He does not impersonate Liza. Rather, he channels her spirit: her inane giggle, affected sibilance, crusty vocal quality, rambling chatter, forgetfulness, boozing, awkward dancing, glittering costumes, wardrobe malfunctions and pixie hairstyle.
Click here to read the full review by Kate Herbert.
Simply put, Liza (On an E) is a sensational show. The combination of hilarious verbal and physical humour with tour de force renditions of an amazing catalogue of songs makes for non-stop entertainment. Ashley has the crowd in his hands for the whole show, which runs two hours plus, and one dare not look away for a second for fear missing the batting of an eyelash or the stumble of a high heel. Totally immersed in the character and spellbinding to watch, Ashley expends massive energy bringing Liza to life, thrilling the capacity crowd all the way.
Click here to read the full review by Simon Parris.
Liza (on an E) will be on at the Hi-Fi Bar & Ballroom, Melbourne for two more performances on January 30 and February 6. Click here for show and booking information.
Lena Nobuhara
Cabaret Confessional Associate Editor
‘Like’ Cabaret Confessional on Facebook
Subscribe to Cabaret Confessional via email
Want to be an exclusive Founding Patron of Cabaret Confessional?
Reader Comments