www.theatreguide.com.au Supporting live theatre in South Australia PO Box 738 [email protected] MODBURY SA 5092 ABN : 93 297 960 525 NICE GIRLS...DON’T STAY FOR BREAKFAST FATLADY PRODUCTIONS Published Arthouse Until March 14 2015 Review by Anthony Vawser Being unfamiliar with the life and work of Julie London, as this reviewer certainly was, could lead one to conclude from the title of this show that we were in for a typically raunchy, confessional cabaret concoction. Instead, we are blessed with a tribute to one of the best-loved of the jazz divas. Steph Acraman, the singer paying tribute, certainly loves the music that London performed, and by the end of her show, you are likely to share in that fondness - with more than a little bit for Acraman herself. The set list is well organised to commence with simple, skilful, evocative guitar-and-bass accompaniment, only gradually introducing percussion and - in a most unexpected and amusing manner - piano. The absence of woodwind or brass is reflective of this show's general focus on understated, slow-to-mid-tempo material, and it sometimes means that there is a certain lack of colour and variety in the music being presented. Fortunately, there are no complaints to be made about Acraman's abilities as either a storyteller or a vocalist. “Cry Me a River” - to choose one highlight - is as great a song in her hands as it ever was, and she even makes you glad to hear “My Funny Valentine” one more time. Interspersed with the songs are pieces of an engaging narrative about the life of London; this format is a pleasant one. Your own personal degree of fondness for this type of quietly smouldering vocal jazz may determine whether a run time of nearly two hours feels excessive, but Steph Acraman is a performer of undeniable talent whom one expects to see (and hear) reaching even greater heights in the future. Rating: 3.5 stars (out of 5) .