Devised by
Tony Sheldon – Directed by Jason Langley
Musical
Direction by Michael Tyack – Lighting Design by James Wallis
The Hayes
Theatre 2- 13th October 2019.
Performance
on 3rd October reviewed by Bill Stephens
If any
justification was needed as to why she has a theatre named after her, then this
meticulously crafted, superbly performed, gem of a show provides it all.
Although
Nancye Hayes began her theatrical career as a dancer in J.C.Williamsons’ original Australian production of “My
Fair Lady”, it was her luminous performance as Charity Hope Valentine in the
original Australian production of “Sweet
Charity” which catapulted her to fame, and her performances in countless
musicals since then have made her a household name.
When
contacted by David Campbell to ask if she would agree to have what is now the
Hayes Theatre named after her she replied incredulously, “Are you sure?” Now, five years on, she still professes awe at
the honour.
It would
have been easy for her to cobble together a collection of her greatest hits from
the myriad of shows in which she has starred. But forever the perfectionist,
she asked her close friend, Tony Sheldon, to write the show for her, remarking
wryly in acknowledging his contribution, “He probably knows me too well”. (Sheldon
also wrote her 1991 one-woman show “Nancye With an E”, which is preserved on CD
as “Nancye Hayes at The School of Arts Café”).
Drawing on
his encyclopaedic knowledge of show tunes, Sheldon has come up with a song list
for this show which comprises mostly songs from shows in which Hayes hasn’t appeared.
Most are little known songs from obscure musicals, but each artfully chosen, to
allow her story to be told through them.
Commencing
with “If They Could See Me Now” from “Sweet Charity” not sung as Charity Hope Valentine,
but as a reminiscence of her childhood and family. For many years Hayes has
lived in a heritage apartment building very close to the Hayes Theatre so “Home”
from “The Night They Raided Minsky’s” and Carole King’s “Up On the Roof” allow
her to reflect on the changing face of Kings Cross recalling venues like The Chevron
Hotel, Les Girls and the Bourbon and Beefsteak Hotel, and celebrity friends associated
with them such as Carlotta and Sheila Cruz, and June Bronhill, about whom she shares
a particularly cheeky recollection.
Recalling dancing
in her room to her prized collection of World Record Club Broadway show albums
provides a highlight dream dance sequence in which she sings and dances to a clever
mash-up of grabs from a dozen or more Broadway shows with nods to the
choreography of Bob Fosse (“Sweet Charity”), Jerome Robbins (“West Side Story”)
and Michael Bennett (“A Chorus Line”) along the way.
“I Do What I
Can With What I Got” from “Paper Moon”, and “Time Machine” from “Half Time”, allow
her to revisit many of the characters she has played over the years, among them
Liliane La Fleur (“Nine”), Roxie Hart (“Chicago”), Madame Armfeldt (“A Little
Night Music”), and Miss Hannigan ( “Annie”).
Recollections
of appearing in the Australia Premiere production of “Chicago” in 1981, in
which she played Roxie Hart to Geraldine Turner’s Velma Kelly, leads to a
particularly poignant moment, as she reveals that it was during that production
that she fell in love with her husband, legendary saxophonist Bob Bertles, who
then joined her onstage for a lovely arrangement of “My Foolish Heart”.
There are so
many lovely moments to savour in this superb cabaret. To describe too many of
them would deprive you of the joy discovering them for yourself…which you
really must.
Directed
with taste and elegance by Jason Langley, “Hayes@ The Hayes” is performed on a
simple, elegant setting, sensitively lit by James Wallis, dominated by two
large portraits of Hayes. One is a publicity shot for the 1967 Australian
production of “Sweet Charity”, and the other, a 2019 portrait by John Klein.
Both capture different aspects of her personality.
A comfy arm
chair and a stool provide the only props besides a top hat and cane sitting on
the baby grand, from which the marvellous Michael Tyack, together with bass player,
Dave Ellis, provide impeccable accompaniments.
Looking svelte
and stunning in a black sequinned pant-suit, Nancye Hayes radiates star quality
in spades. Her natural warmth, plus a life-time of performance experience, disguises
the complexity of the material so that the whole show feels like a personal
chat with a bestie.
It’s a rare privilege
to have the opportunity to experience a performance by an artist in a venue
named after that artist. This show offers that opportunity. “Hayes @ the Hayes” is not only an experience
to be cherished by admirers of the peerless Nancye Hayes, but one which should
be on the “must see” list of any artist contemplating an autobiographical
cabaret. This is a gold standard example.
The short
season will no doubt prevent as many people experiencing it as should.
Hopefully it will be filmed, not only to preserve a remarkable performance
representing a lifetime of theatrical achievement, but also to be enjoyed by
future generations to whom the name Nancye Hayes is destined to become as
legendary as Nellie Melba.
This review also published in AUSTRALIAN ARTS REVIEW. www.artsreview.com.au
