When the musical theatre production “The Killer”, about Jerry Lee Lewis, reopens be sure to get in early and secure a ticket.
“The Killer” enjoyed a successful initial mini-season last Friday and Saturday at the Caravan Music Club in Oakleigh; attracting near capacity audiences for both shows. I noted familiar faces plus a few R’n’R celebs including Ray the one-time frontman of the much missed Diddley Daddies and Peter the editor of the Australian Rock’n’Roll Appreciation Society magasine.
The promoters are now making plans for further performances. Stay tuned to Vic Rock for more info.
The show, written by local Rock & Swing dancer Alan Wilde, takes us through the career of Jerry Lee. It contrasts his musical brilliance against the problems of fame and his own shortcomings.
Jerry Lee, as the “last man standing” of the Sun Records stable of Rock and Rockabilly pioneers, makes an excellent case study for considering how talent might relate to personality issues and how the Rock Star leap from adolescence to fame and riches challenges mental balance and stability.
The production cleverly uses just one set. The show is centred on a performance by Jerry Lee, his singing sister Linda Gale, a backing band and a trio of girl singers.
A continuing dialogue of reminiscences between Jerry Lee and Linda takes us through the highlights and lowlights of the Killer’s career and public life.
Paul Dawber is a believable Jerry Lee Lewis. Tracey Miller, the production’s musical director, plays Linda Gale. The band (piano, stand-up bass,drums & guitar) provides the appropriate musical underpinnings. The trio is very tight with their harmonies. They work well with both Paul & Tracey.
In Jerry Lee’s words - We ain't fakin’, whole lot of shakin' goin' on but What's made Milwaukee famous has made a fool out of me.
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