Review: Eleven O’clock on the Dot at the Quartet Bar

Eleven O’clock on the Dot celebrates the classic momentous songs that occur before the curtain closes on the second act.

Iconic Broadway hits which usually establish the revelations and epiphanies of the main character.

Philippa Lynas, a local girl come good, has created a brilliant in development showcasing all the unforgettable eleven O’clock numbers from the 1940s to current Broadway.

Lynas, who spent 10 years in New York studying at the prestigious American Musical and Dramatic Academy and then went onto to perform at quintessential venues such as Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall as well as lead vocalist for Cirque du Soleil, performs all the hits and has the audience singing along, and eating out of the palm of her hand.

Starting with the title track of 42^nd Street, Lynas smacks us in the face her outstanding jazzy pipes, but with highly trained classical undertones.

We move through the Golden Age and the big brassy numbers, purely with Lynas on lead vocals, her incredible backing singers, Ben Francis [of The 60 Four fame] and Stephanie Cole [The Voice, leading Adelaide vocalist] and exceptional accompanist Jack Strempel on keys.

Francis led the vocals on ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, a Rodgers and Hammerstein showtune from Carousel famously sung by supporter of Liverpool F.C., exhibiting his absurd range and tone.

Such is their talent, this team make it sound like a full orchestra with only their vocals and harmonies as instruments, especially in the Sondheim tune ‘Being Alive’ from Company.

Lynas has charisma and comedy chops and is a natural storyteller – perfect for cabaret.

As we reach the 11 O’clock of this show, Lynas presents a medley of eleven numbers where the audience must guess the musical these tunes are from, and the winner receives a drink from her dad [a running joke in her shows].

This flurry of audience participation had everyone singing along and jumping out of their seats to guess correctly!

The showstopping finale from Cabaret brought everyone to their feet in appreciation and awe.

This is one woman to watch – let’s bring her back in a full show please!

5 stars

Lia Loves.