Masterclass in Showmanship
by ShelleyCanada on 2019-07-06Scotiabank Arena - TorontoRating: 5 out of 5Much like 2011s song and dance review, the 2019 show included personal stories about growing up with alternative interests in Australia, dad wearing his tux to Carnegie Hall, and giving a nod to indigenous Aussie culture. Back then the 'one-man show' was supplemented with a small live band on stage and two back-up dancers to hold the umbrellas during Singing in the Rain. The new show reflects the same personal sensibilities, but on steroids! It was the only way to translate the Royal Alex stage to the cavernous Scotiabank Arena. Every moment was deliciously extravagant, except the self-indulgent tribute to his wife. A verbal acknowledgement would have been sweet, but the personal photos throughout was simply out of place in an otherwise perfectly curated evening. The feeling I had in 2011 (which I saw twice!) was that of being tickled for a couple of hours. Glad to say, I felt that way again in 2019, giddy and full of endorphins as I marched to the subway with the masses of other satisfied fans.