If the measure of a man is how he deals with problems, then Mikelangelo is something of a superhero. His Cave-Waits-Cohen show at the Thornbury Theatre was beset by sound problems from the start, as well as some bizarre heckling from a possibly inebriated member of the audience, but he sailed through it with the sangfroid of Cary Grant, pausing only once to rearrange his immaculate quiff.
The debonair singer/songwriter has been touring this show around Australia, and the historic Thornbury Theatre was the perfect venue for him to unleash his old-time rock skills. The technical glitches were soon forgotten as dramatic lighting and wafts of smoke created an immersive atmosphere for the spellbound audience to enjoy the evening.
The setlist comprised influential songs by music legends Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits and Nick Cave, but Mikelangelo imbued them with his own style, unleashing his “Balkan Elvis” persona as he accompanied his sonorous vocals with guitar and accordion.
Traversing genres and decades, the dapper crooner went from the serious to the sublime with Cave’s hymn-like Into My Arms, Cohen’s Hallelujah and a foot-stamping, a capella version of Tom Waits’ Hang on St Christopher. Downtown Train – another Waits number – also got a run, as did Cohen’s Famous Blue Raincoat.
Mikelangelo didn’t shy away from Cave’s darker material, with faithful renditions of the murderous Red Right Hand and the forceful Do You Love Me?, while The Ship Song was transformed into a rambunctious sea shanty thanks to his accordion.
Clare St. Clare, who directed the show, emerged to sing a couple of numbers, including a heartfelt performance of Waits’ You Can Never Hold Back Spring. But the stage belonged to Mikelangelo, who delivered his one-man show with a combination of strut, good humour, charm and talent. He also revealed his songwriting skills by including a few original numbers, such as City of Dreams from his recent album of the same name.
A classy musician needs to make a classy exit, and Mikelangelo delivered his final song as he waltzed through the crowded room, squeezing the accordion and picking delighted members of the crowd for a whirl, before turning at the rear red curtains to wave, blow a kiss and disappear into the night.
BY EMILY DAY
Loved: Mikelangelo’s hair.
Hated: That person in the audience who felt the urge to sing along to the quiet songs.
Drank: Coopers Pale.
