Written by & Starring: K-M Adams
Director: Kyle Chuen
Musical Director: Sam Cleaver
Venue: The Meteor
On: 27 - 29 February 2020
In her performer profile in the show flyer (bravo, Bold Theatre, your collateral is always superb), K-M Adams said ‘..if anything that’s said (or sung!) tonight, helps you in some small way in your life, then I’m happy!’ K-M Adams, you should be deliriously happy with your one-woman show that played to an audience who was captivated by your bravery and eloquent storytelling.
Old, Bold & Going Nowhere was a raw, sometimes challenging and more often than not amusing romp through the highs and lows of K-M’s life. Dialogue was interspersed with song, and over a dozen or so numbers, she showed off her passion for performing. There was some choreography and parts when she hammed it up with cheeky innuendo and self-effacing humour. Conversely, there were heartfelt and poignant moments that silenced the audience with the utmost respect.
K-M has an exquisite speaking voice. It’s naturally warm and sultry. Her prior career in radio, her life as a wife and mum, and her current vocation as a funeral director and celebrant has given her the tools and knowledge to emotionally connect with people. That was obvious at tonight’s sold out premiere.
Sam Cleaver’s exceptional musicianship was evident as he accompanied K-M on the keyboard, provided subtle incidental music, offered witty sound effects, and engaged in outstanding banter. Kyle Chuen’s romance with Hamilton has continued, and Old Bold & Going Nowhere is his fourth directing gig in the city. A seasoned performer himself, Kyle knows how to execute seamless movement from one moment to the next while ensuring a solid pace is kept.
Old, Bold & Going Nowhere was a Goldilocks show - not too long, not too short, with just the right amount of everything. The use of graphics printed onto corflutes was genius as it provided a visual anchor to the otherwise simple but effective set. Congratulations, K-M, on taking that risk and turning your frustration at the lack of musical theatre roles for women in their 40s into writing your own story that tonight debuted as a memorable inaugural performance.
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