Image: Bugle Boys official site
Who would have thought a trio of cross-dressing men performing songs made famous by The Andrews Sisters would be such fun?
Patty, Maxene and LaVerne keep the audience in giggles throughout this lighthearted nod to the Andrews Sisters of World War II fame.
Performers Jon Jackson, Michael Dalton and Andrew Dessmann ham it up as the cross-dressing trio. They alternate bitchy ‘sibling’ rivalry with a smattering of glorious Andrews Sisters’ tunes to give audiences a very entertaining piece of cabaret.
Part tongue-in-cheek tribute to the famous trio, part insight into the joys of three grown men arguing about make up and face lifts, this performance delivers an irreverent piece of entertainment that will have audiences cringing and cackling in turn.
The performers have audiences delighting in quips over Maxene’s drinking problem or LaVerne’s penchant for men in uniform while also teaching them a thing or two about the real Andrews Sisters and their rise to fame. The ‘ladies’ scrub up surprisingly well in their uniforms and wigs, and their stocking-clad legs will be the envy of many women.
The wonderful thing about this performance is that it’s not all just about slapstick: the performers are immensely talented singers. When Patty, LaVerne and Maxene can get out of each others’ way long enough to string a harmony together, they achieve a marvellous sound.
Maxene in particular, played by Jon Jackson, delivers a powerful and beautiful tone while belting out some truly amazing tunes. The audience hums along as the three harmonise to ‘Rum and Coca-Cola,’ ‘Bei Mir Bist Du Schön’ and of course ‘Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.’
Comic timing is impeccable and though there are some gimmicks that are a little over the top, the piece is immensely enjoyable.
The highlight of our performance was the 90-year-old woman in the third row who sang along to every song, apparently oblivious to the raunchy banter between numbers. For her, it might as well have been the real Maxene, Patty and LaVerne on stage.
This show is a great way to kick off an evening at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. The early time slot means it’s accessible for those who may have been around when the real Andrews Sisters rose to fame as well as for those planning to make a night of it.
Bugle Boys – A Salute to the Andrews Sisters is an entertaining and clever piece of cabaret that is certain to delight.
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Bugle Boys – A Salute to The Andrews Sisters
Written and directed by John Livings
Performed by Jon Jackson, Michael Dalton, Andrew Dessmann
Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne
25 March – 17 April (12 shows only)
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
www.comedyfestival.com.au
23 March – 17 April
