Anthony Leppa and Julian Ferraretto have zoomed into the Garden Of Unearthly Delights Spiegel Zelt with an energy packed re-creation of the songs that Louis Prima made famous, singing from the 30s through to the 50s. Make sure you get to see Zooma Zooma, if no other show this Fringe.
Think: I’ve got You Under my Skin, I’m Just a Gigolo, Buona Sera and That Old Black Magic. Songs that could seem dated except that as performed by singer Anthony Leppa, with Julian Ferraretto, jazz violinist, directing the band, adding musical footnotes to the songs, harmonising and, encouraging the audience as they join in clapping and dancing in the aisles, the show is one to gladden our hearts and make us forget that the world is full of woe.
Zooma Zooma, in its new setting, has been able to spread its wings without losing the sense that we are there as good friends, especially if we have Italian connections, but all welcome and embraced in a cloud of good humour in any case. The lights, the atmosphere, the mirrors give it all that extra glow, which I am sure would have made Louis Prima feel very at home.
Anthony Leppa is a ball of energy, gifting the songs with life as he engages with the audience. His talent lies in making it all look easy until you realise just how versatile and accomplished he is.
The musicians: Mario Marino (drums) Andrew Casey (piano) and Shireen Khemllani (bass) are an integral part of the performance allowing the show to zip along with a zing. We know that musical director Juiian Ferraretto is a fabulous musician but he can also clown along and engage the audience with the best of them. Singer Kylie Ferreira added much to the show both vocally and as a foi[ to Anthony Leppa. However, I would have liked to hear more songs from her.
The hour sped by. The Adelaide Fringe in the Garden of Unearthly Delights, Spiegel Zelt had begun, not with a whimper but with an burst of excitement, songs which have survived the test of time, and an audience which appreciated it all.
Adelaide Fringe Festival
Spiegel Zelt Garden of Unearthly Delights
15 February to 2 March
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