REVIEW: What: Elaine Paige

Where: Claudelands event centre

From the opening bars of "Don't cry for me Argentina" to the closing numbers from Sunset Boulevard, this night was a treat for fans of music theatre.

Especially  for those of us who didn't have to travel far to Elaine Paige's only North Island show, here in Hamilton.

Paige is a great entertainer, a sensational star, an accomplished actress who after over 40 years since her West End debut, can still tingle the spine with her rendition of "Je ne regrette rien" and "Sur ma vie"  from Piaf, or "I know him so well", from Chess.

It is a privilege to see her live, and to enjoy not only her singing but also her warm, relaxed speaking voice, her laugh, her frocks, at least four, and her sashaying moves. 

The entire show flowed elegantly and seamlessly with the added bonus of a fabulous young New Zealand co -star, Nic Kyle, sharing the limelight and in fact nearly stealing it with his performance of "Take this cup" from Jesus Christ Superstar.

Paige gave several brackets of songs from her new album and also sizzled with a bracket of jazz numbers, "all that Jazz" "One fine day" and "Blue skies'.

She was supported by an outstanding seven piece band, directed by John Smith on piano, and a simple set of long drapes, lit by constantly changing spotlights, washes and patterned effects.

The backdrop was lit with star like sprinklings of light for some of the softer numbers, and all effects rolled out together with the band to make her greatest song, "Memories" a climactic performance.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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