Review: The Ladies I Love

2004-02-13 15:32

Daniel Dercksen

Cape Town - Ceri Dupree is one of the most remarkable and astonishing female impersonators whose outstanding show, The Ladies I Love, is by no means a drag.

Capetonians are indeed fortunate that this legendary performer and internationally acclaimed artist is in the Mother City where he is staging his show at On Broadway in Tableview for an exclusive six-week run.

Those who were fortunate to see DuPree's last show when he visited South Africa a few years ago, will be delighted to know that The Ladies I Love is fresh and totally new.

Fun, frivolous and funny spitfire comedy

It's fun, frivolous and funny. In fact, the spitfire comedy attack is so fast and furious that you will have to see the show more than once to grasp all the innuendos.

Not that DuPree rambles through his show; it's just too much, too quick.

Following the hilarious introduction of "Madame" DuPree with a wonderful rendition of Cole Porter's "It's Wonderful", it's over to a star sequenced chorus line: Shirley Bassey proves that "No One Does It Like Me" in her James Bond routine; Camilla Parker Bowles sheds some interesting gossip and fascinating sexual secrets of the British Royalty; Dame Edna gives some useful life changing decorating tips; Zsa Zsa Gabor tells us the whole truth and nothing but the truth in "Diamonds are a girls best friend"; Cher reveals almost everything in her "Shoop, shoop song"; and Peggy Lee turns up the heat with "Fever".

Overwhelming and fabulously glitzy

This is entertainment that overwhelms and will definitely blow your mind. It is a rare opportunity to escape into the fabulously glitzy and sequenced world he meticulously creates.

He is funny. Really funny, effortlessly fusing satire, black comedy, stand up comedy and slightly soiled gags into a scrupulously structured cabaret performance.

You will leave wanting more, and your desire to revisit this splendid experience will be rewarded if you take a few close friends to share in the event.

It is the kind of show you don't mind enjoying in the comfort of strangers, and share with loved ones, in the vibey surroundings and comfortable setting of On Broadway in Tableview.

DuPree has the intoxicating ability to bond with his audience and seduce them into his fantastic realm. We all enjoy his mockery of the few chosen victims in the audience, who willingly submit to his razor sharp wit.

There is almost a sense of enjoyment that is derived from having DuPreez or one of his ladies make fun of you, in contrast to other stand up comedy routines where the audience try their best to avoid becoming a part of the amusement.

Not a drag DuPree is a living example that there is a huge difference between a "drag show" and that of female impersonation.

For those expecting to see a drag show where the artist mimes to the sound of popular songs, mouthing the words, and often distorting images from famous music videos or celebrity snapshots into silly ridicule, don't be afraid to venture into the world of DuPree and his wonderful ladies.

This is the real thing and is as live and original as you will ever get. The world of female impersonation is a difficult and daring one; for DuPree is seems to be an effortless exercise in transformation.

DuPree completely immerses himself in the psyche of his ladies, and unbelievably transforms himself into the different women who make up his fantastic chorus line.

A master of his craft

Vocally DuPree is equally delightful and a master of his craft; whether being himself in the touching and poignant "We Clowns", the hilarious Dame Edna, sexy Cher, dizzy Cleo Laine, electrifying Tina Turner, or the painfully English Camilla Parker Bowles.

The Ladies I Love is a highly charged show of the highest calibre, laced with naughty innuendos, and vividly brought to life with exquisite frocks and stunning wigs.

DuPree dazzles with his perfect impersonations, and bowls you over with his scrupulous imitations of lives that deserve to be immortalised in this funtastic art form that deserves all the attention it gets.

You will regret it if you miss DuPree and his sassy gals.

For more information on the world of Ceri DuPree and booking information for The Ladies I Love at On Broadway in Tableview, Cape Town, visit the website: www.gal.co.za/writingstudio and go to "Live Theatre"

- News24