Batt on a Hot Tin Roof.
Adelaide Cabaret Festival.
Festival Theatre Stage, 22 to 24 June.
Though best known to the average T.V watching punter for his work as ‘Salvatore Romano’ in the multi-award winning dramatic series Mad Men, Bryan Batt’s musical and theatre credentials go back much further than this latest success. With numerous productions on and off Broadway under his belt, including principal roles in Beauty and the Beast and Cats, one could safely assume Batt feels content that he has achieved his childhood aspirations for a life on the stage and screen.
In his first Australian tour, Batt brings Batt on a Hot Tin Roof to the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Taking us on a journey through his childhood in Louisiana, Batt seamlessly intertwines song with story as he presents a collection of tributes to the music and people that have inspired and shaped his life. Delving into impact his relationships with his mother, father, grandmother and musical theatre played in the formation of his love of the stage, Batt performs a great mix of tunes from Cole Porter to Peter Mills. His rendition of Way Ahead Of My Time (The Caveman Song) was brilliantly funny and well-characterised, a theme that was carried through much of the show.
Batt is in possession of a wonderfully versatile and honed voice. While perhaps a little too soft in the quieter numbers, he is in his element when powering through the big comedy and musical numbers. He oozes charisma, with an endearing stage presence and lots of funny bits. A highly enjoyable show, if you missed it you can always checked him out in Mad Men!
Nicole Russo
