THE BITCH IS BACK: AN ELTON JOHN CABARET

Can you feel the love…tonight?

Who doesn’t love and appreciate a phenomenal Elton John song or the admire the man? He’s talented and has a remarkable voice. He has won countless Grammys and an Oscar for Best Original Song in 1995 for Can You Feel the Love Tonight? His over 40-year partnership with songwriter and lyricist Bernie Taupin has garnered an endless list of hit songs, including Rocket Man (1972), Tiny Dancer (1972), Bennie and the Jets (1973). During the 80s John flourished with I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues (1983), Sad Songs Say So Much (1984). He took it one step further and won the Tony for Best Original Musical Score in 2000 for Aida. We will overlook that ridiculous one arm hug and mano a mano he had with award-winning Eminem, at the Grammys in June 2006 while John accompanied the Detroit rapper during his song Stan. He too won the Oscar for Best Original Song in 2003 with the single “Lose Yourself,” from the 8 Mile soundtrack.

Director James Carey developed the idea of five strong willed women with different entertainment backgrounds, some are comedians and actresses, but, all could sing like nobody’s business. With the help of renowned vocal director Darci Monet, these two geniuses formed a concept that paid homage to one of America’s famous songwriters and singers. Together they picked five women who can truly sing with heart and soul. These ladies, Chloejane Busick, Erisa Evelyn Byrd, Kelly Goodman, Marie Petit and Tina Walsch, gave out a knock out performance singing and performing nearly 10 songs. A little of Bennie and the Jets, a touch of Rocket Man, and an uplifting tune from 1983 and my personal favorite I’m Still Standing, makes it memorable.

These songs, and others, evoke having a good time and reminisce on John’s songs. The up-tempo songs will get you moving, while the more slow, thoughtful ones will stir-up warm feelings from a special time in your life. The show is a winner from beginning to end. These ladies understand how to rock, or slow down, a song that will leave you singing one of the m when it’s over. Long live Elton and his talented crew of women who admire and do his songs justice. Only last chance to see this great show this Saturday the 23rd that deservedly won the Producer’s Encore Award at the Best of Fringe Awards this past weekend.

The Bitch is Back: An Elton John Cabaret ends this Saturday, June 30th at 7:30 p.m. at The Three Clubs, located at 1123 Vine St. in Hollywood. For ticket information log on to www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/5113 or www.goldstar.com/events/hollywood-ca/the-bitch-is-back-an-elton-john-cabaret-tickets.