devine | The Sarah Vaughan Story
Art Events Australia presents it’s third production “Devine” The Sarah Vaughan, written by award-winning playwright Neil Cole. Starring Green Room nominated actress Fem Belling and accompanied by multi-award winning composer, pianist and musical director Warren Wills.
The story is about Sarah’s rise to stardom and singing immortality. It traces her early beginnings singing with Ella Fitzgerald, to her recordings with Mercury Records.
Singing tunes such as “Broken Hearted Melody”, Whatever Lola Wants” "Get On Board The A Train" to "Lullaby of Birdland”. From a religious up bringing to her rise to stardom, this play tells the story of someone who never looked back. She sang for Presidents, and danced with one! Four decades of music, by a woman who eschewed racial prejudice by letting her singing refute it. Her nicknames were Sassy, because she was brazen, and "The Divine One" in honour of her singing. Both names come together in explaining who Sarah Vaughan was and a tribute to her.
Starring Fem Belling who exploded onto the Melbourne Jazz scene and is emerging as one of Australia's formidable and exciting new jazz performers. Her African Jazz and theatre roots augment her unique musicality, choices and interpretations.
No stranger to the stage, Fem was a leading lady of London’s West End for 5 years. She performed for Her Majesty The Queen at the Royal Variety Show. Her roles include shows: HAIRSPRAY, FAME, CATS, JOSEPH & HIS TECHNICOLOUR DREAM COAT, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, LITTLE SHOP of HORRORS, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, & Liza Minnelli opposite Todd McKenney in THE BOY FROM OZ.
Seating: General Admission. Please make sure you arrive a minimum of 15 minutes prior to the performance start time. The performance has a strict ' Lockout Policy', latecomers will not be permitted.
Feedback/Comments
Loved it
excellent
I took a friend along and we thoroughly enjoyed every minute
Enjoyed to very much. Great show.
Fem Belling was the perfect voice on the night.
A joy. My 87 year old Mum and I absolutely loved it. What a talented cast!
We loved the whole presentation and Fem Belling was outstanding in bringing Sarah Vaughan to life.
Loved every moment.
Exceded all expectations. All 3 cast members were brilliant.
Always good to see Fem Belling singing the great jazz classics. So ably complemented by warren on piano. A wonderfully entertaining evening.
Enjoyed it emensely......especialy Fem Bellings performance ,she is outstanding
Fem plays and sings like only she can to be the life of Sara Vaughan. with musical accompaniment by Warren Wills and the talented bass player
Great show intimate theatre, voice of Fem Belling was amazing, well written and played show that covered the life and songs of an amazing singer the world never got to know that well.
Love it :)
Fem as always is brilliant. she captured the soul of Sarah Vaughn
Great show, warren on piano was wonderful and Fem was so cool
Amazing show. What a voice! Well deserved standing ovation. Cast of 3 all brilliant. Do yourself a favour!
DEVINE!
Just like the voice of FEM BELLING, who has captured the essence of Sarah Vaughan perfectly. Together with a fantastic sounding male piano man and a female bass player, she recreates the magic of Sarah Vaughan, in an innovative and compelling show.
If you love Jazz, you will love this show...just go and see it...you won`t be disappointed.
This show was amazing. Standing ovation. Thoroughly recommend