An Unwasted Evening - The Genius of Tom Lehrer

Whilst in 1960, South Australia’s Chief Secretary slapped a ban on five of Tom Lehrer’s songs, describing them as being ‘in poor taste’, the Fringe crowd for the opening of An Unwasted Evening - The Genius of Tom Lehrer at Jade, sang, clapped, laughed and waved their hands in sheer undisguised enjoyment. My, how the times have changed.

Despite a tricky start to the show, Australian cabaret entertainer, singer, and pianist, Antony (Dr H) Hubmayer remained totally unphased when the show’s lighting developed an uncooperative mind of its own. Undaunted, it was clear that the largely, older audience was prepared to forgive all things Lehrer, and Dr H’s patter, energy and enthusiasm for Lehrer’s talent and songs. They blithely ignored references such as, ‘Mr Lehrer is not fettered by such inhibiting factors as taste’, and I was delighted to see two pre- teens, obvious from a family of fans, singing and laughing along. Such is the power of American musical satirist and Mathematician, Tom Lehrer. Born in 1928, Lehrer was a child prodigy who played piano from age seven and had completed his first university degree by the age of 19. With the exception of the insanely paced ‘Periodic Table’ song based on Gilbert and Sullivan’s song from The Pirates of Penzance, all of Lehrer’s music and lyrics are original. Arguably, a satirical genius, who has shunned notoriety, Lehrer has released all of his songs into the public domain, ensuring all time access for lovers of witty, biting, satirical music.

For those new to Lehrer, or those who delighted in a refresher course, Dr. H took the audience on a journey exploring the life and career of Tom Lehrer, retold through such timeless songs as ‘The Masochism Tango’, ‘The Vatican Rag’, ‘Poisoning Pigeons in the Park’ and the pre-nostalgic song that fortells World War 3, ‘So Long Mom’. Fortunately, the ‘thought police’ were not present and all of the five, previously banned in SA songs were presented in their provocative entirety.

Dr H has the confident and energetic talent of a seasoned cabaret performer. He is an actor’s singer and many of the songs became similar, lacking Lehrer’s very melodic voice and emphasis that creates both the difference in songs and the unique, carefully placed humour. The show is a great 60 minutes celebrating a unique mid century satirical humour of a performer, the likes of whom we may never see again.

Jude Hines

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