Theatre Review: The Supper Club (Circa Theatre, Wellington, until February 17)
Ali Harper's latest musical trip down (an imagined) memory lane...
The Supper Club
Direction: Ian Harman (written by Ali Harper)
Circa Theatre; Circa One (January 20 – February 17)
It is almost extraordinary to think back, to try to tally up the number of musical characters Ali Harper has invented, or inhabited - real and imagined; also the number of fine composers she has paid tribute to through her various shows. The Supper Club is just the latest.
In previous years, and in what now seems like an annual placeholder (Circa Theatre, Jan/Feb), Harper has given us the songs of Burt Bacharach and Hal David, has paid tribute to Carole King’s life and music, and has been able to move through costume changes and character voices when giving life once again to a succession of jazz and easy listening divas - or when paying single-focus tribute to legends such as Doris Day.
It’s actually astounding how easily Harper moves through the ages - instantly taking on an accent, and enabling a flawless recreation of classic song from the vintage era.
In The Supper Club, it’s an impressionistic, imaginary tour of the titular venue, from one hundred years ago, and rather than have actual impersonations of the likes of Marlene Deitrich and Édith Piaf, he have characters that embody their spirit, and songs from the repertoire.
What makes these performances come alive, beyond Ali’s wit and wonder, her sparkle and commitment, is the efforts here of director and set and costume designer, Ian Harman. And of course the live musical accompaniment.
In recent years, Harper has formed a bond with pianist Tom McLeod (musical director). For this show he’s assembled an incredible band, in tune with both the music and the performance - perfectly in sync in terms of look and feel and costuming, and so lithe as a unit, moving expertly through eras and everything from big balladry and epic show tunes, to smaller numbers. Blair Latham switched saxophones and clarinets for guitar and flute, while Scott Maynard (double bass) and Olivia Campion (drums) provided the bottom end, warm and full and often close to intoxicating.
Ali performed classic stapples (De-Lovely) in a way as to almost be feeling her way into a brand new song, such is the joy she operates with - connecting people, or reconnecting people with songs from their childhood, or from later in life but as a touchstone to the previous generations in their families.
I’d always see an Ali Harper show, because I know it’s going to be full of great music, and new memories as a result. But also because I know it is going to be delivered by an expert at the top of her game, with a talented team in tow.
The Supper Club is just the latest. There will be more. There have already been so many. She’s really operating in a league of her own in this country, in this field. Take the people you love for a trip to The Supper Club.
