Unescorted. Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Space Theatre. 18 Jun 2015
Poised, standing back-lit behind a dressers screen, Lady Rizo’s silhouette is reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe. A shock of curls sits high atop her head; her long slender neck blends to a perfect shoulder line; her hands, clasped at her belly, create perfect symmetry with her arms – two triangles of light peeking through define her shapely torso; her slender waist gives way to a gentle hip curve, and she turns. Now in profile we see the gorgeous curve of a 5 month pregnant Rizo. She rolls her hands over the baby bump and steps into the light.
A self-proclaimed chanteuse, she describes herself to strangers as a “singer of torch songs” but not all of her repertoire is lamentation and sentimentality. Rizo is a captivating speaker. She manipulates every aspect of her being to draw her audience into the palm of her hands. She is sexual, sensual, quick of wit, and has a stunning voice.
Flanked by musicians on the Space Theatre stage she tells us her story; the cabaret star who is soon to be a mother to her first child, gender unknown. Her tales neatly segue from song to song, transporting us on a journey that sees the time fly by. One cannot wait for her to finish a song and start talking again. She is a fabulous singer, and that really says something of her oration.
We are treated to gorgeous numbers from her own album Violet as well as some unique arrangements of pop songs, along with a raunchy onstage costume change, where audience participation is the perfect addition.
Rizo is delightfully glamorous in her diamantes and sequins but there is more to this performer than flashy costuming – see her if you can!
Paul Rodda
When: Closed
Where: Space Theatre
Bookings: Closed
