Siren Song

Siren Song is a special cabaret double-feature, performed in central Adelaide venue ‘La Boheme’; a Parisian themed bar with a unique bohemian ambience. Staging this show is Growling Grin Productions, a South Australian based performing arts group founded by Benjamin Orchard and Olivia Jane Parker.

The evening's entertainment opens with Olivia Jane Parker's performance of December Songs, a song-cycle chronicling love and loss in the New York winter, written by Tony Award Winning Broadway composer, Maury Yeston (Nine). Parker looks uneasy on the small stage, hands in pockets and rigid as she delivers her first song, but eventually finds a depth required and begins to loosen with every note. Channelling her emotion, she reels the audience in with her dulcet tones. Beautifully accompanied by Margaret Lambert and coached vocally by cabaret star Catherine Lambert, Parker indeed finds her voice and makes the repertoire her own. As with the songs themes of self-discovery and empowerment Parker blossoms before our eyes and takes us on a journey of reflection. Adding to the show visually we bear witness to half a dozen slides between songs; they made little impact and needed to be more frequent.

A brand new show, Swan, is brought to life by experienced and celebrated chanteuse Jennifer Degrassi in the second half of the evening. Featuring the music of Nina Simone and Joni Mitchell, DeGrassi spins her magic as she reveals the challenges of a woman coming to terms with her identity and impending legacy. DeGrassi’s experience is evident as she sashays between the crowd delivering powerhouse vocals. As a performer she commands the stage and along with the words of the late poet Maya Angelou weaves together a show that is relatable and seductive. When DeGrassi sits next to the wonderful Catherine Lambert in the audience, you are mesmerised as she serenades her, feeling privileged to have captured the moment.

On what was a miserable winter’s evening, patrons were obviously appreciative of the talent adorning the stage. With a few tweaks Swan has the potential to take your breath away and gain a wider audience. This bird is free…pun intended.

Kerry Cooper

Images: Olivia Jane Parker and Jennifer Degrassi.