On a chilly May afternoon, I treated my mother to an outing to Speakeasy HQ to enjoy an afternoon of jazzy show tunes from and inspired by the musical “Chicago”. The opening song “All That Jazz” was sung with great gusto and flair by all three performers that were entertaining us that day: Matt Allegro, Carly Daley and Alexandria Avery.  This opening number set the tone for the entertainment to follow, and certainly set the bar high for the afternoon.

  
Fans of the musical “Chicago” will be pleased to hear that this show included many of hits and upbeat numbers  – among them “Cell Block Tango” (which I particularly enjoyed) and the fun “When you’re good to mama”. The latter was performed by Matt Allegro, who isn’t afraid to dress up. In fact, during this show Matt performed many different styles of songs. My mum is convinced that he really should be on Broadway or in Vegas!

  

The “Chicago” extravaganza continued with renditions of “All I care about” “Roxie” and “Razzle Dazzle”.  Carly and Alexandria sung their songs with gusto and were playful with the audience, using props on stage or winking and flicking their hair. This made their performance very alluring, and the audience couldn’t help but be taken along for the ride. This show included plenty of song choices to satisfy existing fans (and new “Chicago” fans alike!). An enjoyable aspect of the afternoon was the addition of songs from other musicals that evoked the styles and flair of the 1920’s – songs from “Cabaret” and “Victor/Victoria” were presented with plenty of sizzle and emotion. I was delighted that “All that Jazz” featured one of my favourite songs from the musical “Cabaret” – ‘Maybe This Time’. That particular song always leaves me a little misty eyed.

   

The afternoon’s entertainment concluded with a great set by the fabulously talented Roy Maloy (who not only runs Speakeasy HQ, but is a world record holder AND can sing well!). Roy treated us to a short musical set featuring a jazzy version of the Nirvana classic ‘Smells like teen spirit’ and the Bobby Darin hit ‘Mack the Knife’. Just when the audience thought the show was about to end, Matt Allegro reappeared at the piano to play and sing us some bonus songs! My mum was particularly thrilled. Matt treated the audience to a cheerful medley of songs about singing, the (Melbourne!) weather and Speakeasy HQ. Matt even dedicated a clever song to his smartphone.

This show is a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon in the city. On the way home, my mother and I were not troubled by the windy and gloomy weather as Speakeasy HQ (and the talented singing team of Matt Allegro, Carly Daley and Alexandria Avery) had placed cheerful songs in our minds and hearts. Weeks later, my mother is still mentioning how much she enjoyed the show. I’m really glad I could take her along to my favourite live performance venue in the city  – Speakeasy HQ – and share an afternoon of splendid music.

VERDICT: A fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon, and the perfect show to bring a parent or friend along to (especially if they enjoy jazz, musicals, and the 1920’s style). All performers were clearly talented at their craft and left the audience wanting more.

Tickets: There is only 1 more chance to catch this show in May! For tickets and information, visit: http://www.speakeasy-hq.com/

Disclaimer: I attended this show as a guest of Speakeasy HQ.