Review: Are You Lonesome Tonight?
Picture (L to R): Rory Dollard (guitars), Grace King (drums), Melissa Western (Vocals), and Dr Bob (Bass guitar). Image credit: Creative Futures Photography.
Sorry… I am about to repeat myself from earlier reviews. A top tip is to look at the Anywhere Festival program as soon as it’s out, and make sure you book anything at Australian Modern, as Chris and Susan’s shows tend to sell out quickly.
It’s easy to see why. An intimate show (maximum audience size is 60), with high-quality performers who use the event as the opportunity to showcase some of their best-loved works—or, as so impressively demonstrated in the Festival opening weekend, to test out new ideas. As the talented Melissa Western put it, during the world premiere performance of Are You Lonesome Tonight?, Australian Modern is the perfect venue to ‘incubate shows.’
Having experienced the audience reaction to this new show, I am certain that Are You Lonesome Tonight? will soon be taking Australia by storm. Why? A great artist showcasing some of Elvis Presley’s best known works, without any pretence at trying to ‘be’ Elvis (so don’t expect white suits and big belts…or any gyrating hips… as this is definitely not a look-alike show). And accompanied by the talented trio of Grace King (drums), Dr Bob (Bass guitar), and Rory Dollard (guitars).
Picture: Melissa Western and trio at home at Australian Modern (Credit: Creative Futures Photography)
Picture: Rory Dollard (guitars), Image credit: Creative Futures Photography.
Picture: Melissa Western. Image credit: Creative Futures Photography.
Picture (L to R): Rory Dollard (guitars), Melissa Western (Vocals), Dr Bob (Bass guitar), and Grace King (drums). Image credit: Creative Futures Photography
I found it difficult to pick a favourite among the 15 song set-list. I can possibly get it to a top 5, but the performers really didn’t put a foot wrong. Let’s just say that toes were tapping from the first Suspicious Minds number, Heartbreak Hotel was quite fabulous, Jailhouse Rock (replete with some alternate, venue-specific lyrics) gave Western the opportunity to demonstrate that she really can rock, the poignant Are You Lonesome Tonight duet with Rory Dollard (on guitar) resulted in satisfied ‘ahhhh’s from the audience, and Hound Dog (complete with excellent solos from each member of the trio) was the perfect choice as a final number.
But then that list misses out the fantastic apparently unrehearsed (and fabulous) Craw-Fever encore, the poignant Always On My Mind, the audience Viva Las Vegas participation, the Love Me Tender drum solo, and It’s Now or Never (possibly my favourite number of the evening).
Congratulations again to Susan and Chris, on another memorable Australian Modern Anywhere Festival Show. And thanks to Melissa Western and trio for a fabulous show. I have a feeling that this one will prove a very popular addition to the repertoire, so look out for Are You Lonesome Tonight? at a venue near you soon.
Verdict: Understandably an Anywhere Festival sell-out. Here’s hoping Melissa Western brings Are You Lonesome Tonight? to other Australian venues again soon.
Picture: Melissa Western. Image credit: Creative Futures Photography
Audience tip: Are You Lonesome Tonight? (5-6 May, 2023). 90 minutes (no interval). No warnings, all ages (I suggest 18+). Tickets $50 (general admission). Australian Modern is a private home in Carina, Brisbane. Free street parking available.
The reviewer attended the world premiere performance (7:30pm, Friday 5 May, 2023).
Social media image shows Chris Osborne (Australian Modern), pictured with Melissa Western. Image credit: Creative Futures Photography.