Back to Black: The Music of Amy Winehouse
Words by Tania Jezukaitis
Presented by Night Owl Shows who have specialised in depicting the lives of a number of influential musical artists at this years Adelaide Fringe Festival. This time we have Reine Beau Anderson Dudley channeling the soulful and gritty vocals of the dear departed Amy Winehouse. If you are expecting a tribute type show replete with black beehive and winged eyeliner you will be disappointed. However Anderson Dudley does not need to adopt this faux persona with her powerful and emotion filled performance over delivering and amply supported by the talented “Night Owl” backing back.
In keeping with the Night Owl format, songs are interspersed with background images and narration giving it a biopic feel. In spite of the title of the show, several songs from Winehouse’s 2003 debut album “Frank” kick start the show before we move onto her second and final studio record “Back to Black”. The crowd delighted in listening to hits such as “Valerie” and “Rehab” with enthusiastic clapping, singing and chair dancing.
My only criticism is that it fails to hit the mark on weaving the narration with her life story and how this influenced and impacted on her musical genius. There was little for the audience to connect to on a deeper level other than reliving her creative talents in a live format.
Now showing at Empire Theatre at Gluttony – Rymill Park until 15th March
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