Zombie Songs Ate My Brain
With a title like Zombie Songs Ate My Brain I thought this show piece could go either way – best forgotten or the best show I’ve seen this comedy season. What a relief that by the end of the first song I couldn’t stop my incessant toe-tapping and I had a smile on my face that was bigger than my face. This little cabaret piece by Jane Kelson and the Ice Haloes (Maurice Bursztynski, Adam Fleet and Peggy Hooper) is an absolute treasure-trove found in the kooky, pre-loved ambience of the gorgeous Butterfly Club.
The premise for this show is based on research by Dr James Kellaris at the University of Ciccinati which explores the earworm phenomenom – when a catchy and annoying song or jingle gets “stuck in one’s head”. Yes, PhDs ought to come with a disclaimer. But Jane Kelson and her very talented accomplices are never irksome and always entertaining as they take us on a journey through some of the most notable earworms, or as Jane so aptly names them – zombie songs.
When a high-quality cabaret act has no showy costumes or characters and only a lone piano on a very small stage then you are fortunate enough to be in the company of some formidable talent. Jane Kelson is such a natural front woman. She is warm, engaging and so fluently comedic. And that’s not the best part. She’s an extremely accompliced singer and musician who is just a joy to watch and perform. Her song with Adam Fleet, Jesus Take the Wheel, is extremely beguiling and hilarious.
The Ice Haloes weren’t always on stage with Jane but they joined her for most of the show. I can’t speak highly enough of this foursome performing a cappella with vocals ranging from soprano to baritone. Their harmonies really do make life worth living. And when cabaret is funny and sends a shiver down your spine all at the same time – and only genuine talent can engender this – then you’ve got your money’s worth.
To say anymore about this show would do it a disservice. It’s only on for two more nights so be really, really kind to yourself and go along to see it. You won’t be sorry!
Visit the Butterfly Club website for bookings and further details