Debora Krizak - Ssh There’s A Lady On Stage

Proudly local, Elizabeth born, Debora Krizak is one of Australia's most critically acclaimed entertainers. Accompanied by a four-piece band, led by renowned music teacher and performer Darren Mapes, Krizak shares her musical favourites from shows such as A Chorus Line, where she professionally performed the role of Sheila Bryant, Cabaret and Sweet Charity. Krizak looks two million dollars; clad in a fitted blue and silver, side split evening gown. She struts and sashays, rhinestones catching the light, feeding the glamour factor.

The show features songs from acclaimed leading ladies from Shirley Bassey, Diana Ross and Bette Midler to Dusty Springfield, Adele to the Carpenters and rather than mimic others, she places her own well-honed stamp on the work of others. Starting with very upbeat Dolly Parton songs, including ‘9 to 5’, she segued into one of theatre’s most performed musical numbers: ‘Hey Big Spender’. This was raunchy, gutsy and full throated, transporting the audience to the seedy dancec hall setting. Krizak made much of her many roles as ladies of ‘questionable morals’, poking good natured fun at herself and her career. By contrast, her poignant rendition of ‘What I Did For Love’ is performed to a hushed audience, captured by both the soaring notes and depth of emotion invested in this much loved classic. ‘I’m A Woman’ and ‘I Am Woman’ are melded and vamped, capturing the intent and power of each song.

Sweeping crossover spots add to the glamour and theatricality throughout, particularly in the high powered numbers. Initially, for me, the microphone balance was intrusive, but the sound settled quickly, and Krizak uses her microphone well. Sound is ultimately well balanced and this is particularly evident when Krizak sings her COVID tribute to her backyard friendly magpie, Steve. Her magpie warbling is sweet, apt and just sentimental enough. Three of the four piece band were very recent local additions, and their work is terrific.

Krizak excels at notes where, in selling a song, she belts out powerful, held notes. It is evident that she is a skilled musical theatre performer, accustomed to filling a stage and auditorium. Her rendition of ‘Don’t Rain On My Parade’ is pure Streisand, Krizak style.

A nice touch, leading into the encore is Mapes, serenading Krizak with the Peter Allen classic written for Judy Garland, ‘Quiet Please, There’s A Lady On Stage’. Their chemistry is evident and this leads into the encore which is fabulous and fun filled. Krizak’s version of ‘That’s Life’ is lots of fun, summing up her roles and her (not to be named here) theatre nemesis.

Go and see this local girl, all grown up and making her mark on musical theatre both nationally, and internationally. With only one show left, hurry on in to this fun hour.

Jude Hines

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