Old Time Hollywood Down-Under

One word: Divine. That is what describes Chris Wallace’s Greatest Hits, performed for the first time at The Butterfly Club in South Melbourne. Sung by Sarah-Louise Younger, Kelly Wild, Joseph Naim, David Price, and accompanied on piano by MD Laura Tipoki and Andrew O’Grady on the double bass. On the baritone ukulele is Mr Wallace himself. The show opens with a rousing opening number about opening numbers, which could have been cut from any of our favourite musicals. Each cast member has a moment in the spotlight after Wallace tells the audience how he got into song writing.

It is worth coming to see this show just for Wallace, an (ahem) older gentleman is a Yank by birth, Greek by blood and Aussie by choice. His eccentric turquoise bowtie and cummerbund over a paisley shirt hold a certain old-world glamour, reminiscent of travelling sideshows and the garish charm of Los Angeles. Wallace is self deprecating, which an Australian audience will find refreshing from an American. He is witty and charming and has perfect comic timing, and his accent is endearing rather than grating. Each singer in the cast is attractive, talented and appropriate for this show in their own unique way. But one is of particular note. Sarah-Louise Younger, is an absolute knockout on stage. Sexy, funny, cheeky and with a voice that could kill, think Shirley Bassey meets Nina Simone. Her rendition of ‘Deeper’ a gorgeous soul song is enough to bring a joyful tear to your eye and have you swaying and nodding as if you were in a gospel church.

All the songs performed in this show are written by Wallace, and performed with joy and feeling. Including the children’s songs. The two things that let this show down are the poster and the title. Neither of which give any indication the sheer fabulousness of this performance and the genius of the song writing. Many don’t believe that it is possible to give a show five out of five, but this comes very close.