Viva Melbourne Review
By Jake Freeman
A new cabaret venue has recently opened, and it is a must see. Located in the industrial part of North Melbourne, just off Boundary Road, Viva Melbourne is a great addition to Melbourne’s burgeoning cabaret scene. Audiences will enjoy not only a fine dining experience but two highly entertaining live performances, Elegant and Exotic, which feature everything from singers, dancers, acrobats, aerialists and more.
The entrance to Viva Melbourne is impressive with a vibrant, relaxing, yet intimate setup with red plush lounge chairs in both the theatre and the bar areas. There are two bars, one in the foyer and another inside the theatre near the stage, so patrons can buy drinks without missing any of the action. There are QR codes on each booth and table, allowing theatregoers to order food and drinks without having to leave their seat. The menu has a variety of snacks and drinks to choose from. Just after 7:30 PM, the house lights are dimmed and the first show of the night, Elegant, commences.
From beginning to end, Elegant was flawless. In the 90-minute act there was never a dull moment. It was fun, naughty, sultry and high energy, filled with dazzling circus stunts, acrobatics, mesmerising tricks, aerial manoeuvres, fancy costumes and amazing song and dance. Each cast member was very talented and multiskilled and could easily by the star of their own solo show.
Elegant has eight female and two male dancers. The host of Elegant, Jussie, entertainingly bounces onto the stage introducing each segment. He provides the comic relief for the night with his fake French accent and sexual innuendos. As can be expected from a cabaret show, there is plenty of audience participation throughout the night, so be prepared if the host pulls you up on stage or has you as his “go to” person.
One of the highlights of Elegant, is its tribute to women throughout the ages. Elegant raises the bar for cabaret shows for both its production values and high quality. Not surprisingly, as it was created and directed by Jason Coleman, whose work encompasses the director of choreography for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2000 Sydney Olympic, as well as Hair, Hairspray and So You Think You Can Dance. Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance Studios is located within the building.
Following Elegant is the next show, Exotic, which promises to be just as entertaining but even more risqué.
As mentioned, Viva is a great addition to Melbourne’s cabaret scene, joining the likes of Witches In Britches andSpiegeltent. Anyone who enjoys Vegas or Burlesque style entertainment will appreciate the unique and unrivalled experience that Viva has to offer. It is a visual spectacle with the audience always leaving feeling entertained but wanting more.
Elegant and Exotic are playing every Friday and Saturday night until and including Saturday 30 November at Viva Melbourn, 64 Sutton St, North Melbourne. The run time for both Elegant and Exotic is 90 minutes each which includes dinner and drink options pre-show as well as intervals between each performance. Elegant commences at 7:30 PM, Exotic commences at 9:30 PM. Audiences can enter and take their seats at 7:00 PM. Both shows contain strobe lighting, theatrical haze, heavy coarse language, sexual reference, possibly nudity and adult themes and is suitable for mature audiences. To learn more about Viva Melbourne, buy tickets and inquire about shows, menus, and group bookings, go to https://vivamelbourne.com.au/
