by Roger Childs
Highly Enjoyable Musical Entertainment
The Supper Club provides two hours of typical Ali Harper entertainment which is effervescent, professional and authentic. Under the direction of the highly experienced Ian Harman, the smouldering Ali sashays her way from the Roaring Twenties through to the twentieth century, singing more than twenty memorable songs in the style of the times from De-Lovely to the superb I am Woman finale. Mid way through, her rendition of Edith Piaf’s Non, Je ne Regrette Rien, is one of many highlights.
Throughout the show she is supported by the excellent Jazz Hot Supper Club Band led by keyboard man Tom McLeod. Tom is not only the lead accompanist, but he sings a couple of impressive solos himself, and in the second half joins Ali for some entertaining song and dance duos from more recent times. Tom is skilfully backed up by the classy
- Blair Latham – saxophone, clarinet, guitar and flute
- Olivia Campion – a range of percussion
- Scott Maynard – double bass.
Ali Harper is a Circa regular and her many shows have always appealed to a wide range of age groups. She is a consummate professional and her amazing vocal range and skilful modulation, is complemented by great stage presence and excellent rapport with those watching. Her remarkable versatility enables her to sing in the manner of vocalists like Marlene Dietrich, Edith Piaf, Doris Day, Helen Reddy and Carole King, as well as exhibiting a distinctive style of her own. Not surprisingly she is in demand on Cruise Ships, in night clubs and in venues around New Zealand.
Ali always establishes warm empathy with her audience and The Supper Club is no exception, and as usual she does her quick costume changes to suit the era.
Performances feature from Tuesday to Thurs at 6.30pm; Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 4pm.
Tickets range in price from $30–$55. Bookings at circa.co.nz or 04 801 7992.