A Tribute to Danny Kaye
By Russell Fletcher
Where and When: The Spiegeltent, Arts Centre, Nov 8 & 15, 2pm
Reviewer: Kate Herbert
Stars:***
Russell Fletcher’s tribute show will tickle Danny Kaye fans. Fletcher bears an uncanny resemblance to the redheaded joker.
He does not attempt a detailed impersonation but rather embodies Kaye’s style and vitality while recreating routines and songs from his live shows and movies (Hans Christian Anderson, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, The Court Jester).
The frenetic wordplay, galloping songs, madcap storytelling, vocal sound effects and witty interaction with the audience conjure Kaye’s spirit.
Fletcher revels in the sheer silliness of Kaye’s inventive comedy. He relates the entire story of The Little Fiddle and the evil Glockenspiel in disguise.
As the belligerent German conductor he leads Kaye’s rendition of the Flight of the Bumblebee with audience members playing mime instruments.
The final Court Jester song convinces us that we need nutty comic geniuses such as Danny Kaye.
By Kate Herbert
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