Review by Laura Money
Exposing Edith is a wonderful homage to the ‘Little Sparrow’ herself, performed with the utmost care by Michaela Burger and Greg Wain (guitar.) Such a show could so easily be a jukebox evening of Piaf’s greatest hits but in the skillful hands of Burger and Wain, it becomes an ode to the most powerful yet fragile singer ever to grace the stage.
Dressed in a coat and hat, Burger bursts through the audience with feisty spirit, half shouting, half singing as the young Piaf trying to make money singing on a street corner. Even in these early years, struggling, Piaf had dignity. Burger embodies this spirit perfectly, her face contorts into contempt and frustration as she sings ‘just one more time.’ It’s a strange opener for a show that associates itself with the grace and glamour that surrounded the eclipsing star. Burger uses this story as a way to explain what Piaf was all about. The hardships she endured and why she was filled with such passion.
In a semi-biographical show, Burger uses the songs to fit the chronology of Piaf’s life. She also explains how she came to love Piaf and it is obvious how highly she regards the pint-sized singer. Burger not only sings and acts as Piaf, but she embodies her totally. Channeling Piaf’s stubbornness, her fierce ability to love, her joy in music, and her fighting, underdog spirit, Burger becomes Piaf – her every inflection is Piaf’s, and her every note soars in the way the Little Sparrow’s did. Piaf is back, in Burger’s flawless performance.
Showcasing some of Piaf’s finest songs, some well-known and others not so well-known, every piece is perfectly placed for maximum emotional impact. Burger and Wain are true craftsmen, and have created a beautifully heartfelt tale, complete with the best soundtrack. It’s not all La Vie en Rose and Non, Je ne Regrette Rien, however these two pieces play a significant role, forming some of the most beautiful moments ever staged.
Go and see Exposing Edith – you’ll certainly have no regrets.
When: 6th – 11th February 2017 | 9:30pm
Where: Burt Memorial Hall | Cathedral Square | PERTH
Tickets: $30
Info: Duration 70 minutes | Suitable all ages | Licensed venue
Link: https://fringeworld.com.au/whats_on/event/exposing_edith/1111d439-8420-42c7-99ce-99a8ac69903f/
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