VOGUE is one of two shows on currently at VIVA Melbourne – above one of the most popular performing arts training centres in the country; Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance, but the show employs artists from near and far. Every singer and dancer is a top level representation of hard working talent.
Advertised aptly; ‘Riches come to life and cabaret re-invented!’
I can agree with that. VOGUE is a variety cabaret show unlike any other I have seen, excepting maybe in Las Vegas, and their venue gives a ‘Vegas’ feel as soon as you enter the luxury upstairs. Seating is semi-circled booths and tables. Glamorous dancers in heels will be showing you to your seats and handing you the menu – you can order / eat / drink right here. We are one level up with the best view, but there are tables right on the stage edge …. more about that choice next if you’re game.
A bartender walks on stage and awkwardly introduces himself – he explains he will open the show whilst the real host has been delayed…. Hmmmm… he seems very good at hosting jokes and noteworthy comedic ability is well received by interaction from the audience members he engages with unsuspectingly. If you want to take a punt and sit down front, WARNING: risk to become part of the show LOL 🙂
The digital backdrops in this place are fantastic! I absolutely LOVED the luminous magazine covers for the feature item of VOGUE; each cover-girl positioned spot on and in the dark to suddenly shine brightly under a spotlight of photographers and paparazzi, but Madonna’s ‘Vogue’ is not the only smash hit you’ll be looking at.
We are taken from song to song, country to country and movie to movie. We enjoy flashbacks of stars from the silent screen to more randomly selected audience members getting their chance for a moment in ‘Cats’ and ‘Grease’ – their partners still in their seats needing no encouragement to get phones up and have those videos shaking with laughter!
The Spice Girls were spot on and perfectly costumed; Baby Spice took me back in time in her high boots and pigtails (she was always my favourite). Scary in her signature leopard print, Sporty in her athletic wear (now there’s a chance for sponsorship), Ginger strutting out in the Union Jack and Posh engrossing in a black jumpsuit I would’ve died for in my youth!
Get ready for some ‘tiny’ costumes too – you need to be comfortable with that when watching this show (VOGUE) and Viva’s later night show (VICIOUS) gets even more raunchy we are told.
A highlight is the aerial acrobatics on the huge hoop that appears from nowhere out of a circle above us, not once but many times throughout the evening and each time showing off completely different tricks to the last, all incredible with graceful extensions and some interesting poses – especially when our host dangles himself down (you’ll have to go see to find out what that means…..).
Impossible to list everything this neo-burlesque show offers. You will be witnessing an explosive feast of entertainment including a James Bonds meets Charlies Angels, an ELVIS in Viva Las Vegas like none I have seen before, a rendition of Dirty Dancing that is totally Uproarious, a Spiderman in all his glory, the squealing high kicks of the Can-Can in Paris, the cirque silks of Egypt and the Brazilian Samba moving into Spain, plus MORE, ending in an all-laughs Australian Finale with thongs of all sorts.
My No. 1: I’d have to give it to the side-splitting ‘Bee Gees’ take off
Thank-you VIVA team – this show can only expand in popularity as it becomes more well-known… watch this space 🙂
VOGUE: humor, glamour, and edge to the forefront!
Ticket and info link: https://vivamelbourne.com.au/
I recommend this show for anyone over 18 who has a sense of adventure into the unknown and for Melbourne tourists too interested in seeing our fabulous home grown artists. There are not many shows close to our city for a reasonable price where you can also enjoy good food and drinks whilst watching. Note: We particularly loved the fries, arancinis and the themed cocktails.
VIVA Melbourne’s all-round inclusive show-food-drinks concept is impressive!
Ps. the bathrooms are out of this world – nowhere, anywhere has bathrooms like this, so if you don’t have time to do your make-up at home just bring it with you!
To book tickets to Viva – Vogue, please visit https://vivamelbourne.com.au/events/.
