This is the first time I’ve seen a full length show by The Kransky Sisters. But I have read about them in the past and I felt like I knew them of old, before I even entered the Athenaeum.
Three sisters, Mourne, Eve and the much maligned Dawn, are members of a tribute band, performing songs from bands such as Devo, ACDC and the Bee Gees. Taking a cursory glance at previously published press reviews, their repertoire doesn’t seem to have altered much over the years. That said, these tracks are performed with an accomplished musicality and have hugely entertaining qualities, not least of which being the “mystery song” element, that being the audience guessing the identity of the track, often undiscovered until the chorus or hook.
The sisters are heavily character based, and superb in execution. They are the kind of women that Jessica Anderson or Brian Moore might have written about. They are old fashioned, almost English and yet quintessentially Australian. Their appalling life stories and situations are perfect fodder for the comedy mill. With a glance, a muttered word, a gesture or a sigh they speak volumes. And yet…
There is a reason why I felt like I knew this act only from reading about it. At one point, about half way through, three girls sitting in front of me got up and left. My first thought was not only is that rude, but they’re going to miss what happens in the rest of the show. Moments later I thought yeah, actually, I get that. If you’ve seen the first ten minutes of this show, you’ve pretty much got a schematic for the whole show. That’s not to say that I didn’t enjoy, and laugh through the entire performance, but I did feel increasingly fatigued by the single-concept conceit of the show.
This is a wonderfully performed show and I enjoyed it throughout. I would certainly recommend it as a fun night out, but I can’t help but wonder if The Kransky Sisters haven’t run their course.
For full booking details check out the Melbourne Comedy Festival website