UTTERLY INSPIRING

Chasland proves locals are a talented bunch

Review

Jason Chasland is The ImpoSTAR

Theatre Royal, January 19. 2011

Reviewed by Dan Kendrick

This is one talented chap.

As soon as the opening sequence begins, we know we’re in for a good old slice of entertainment and laughter. When he sings his first number, we’re immediately made aware that his voice is a force to be reckoned with.

The ImpoSTAR is an incredibly energetic, fast moving and utterly enjoyable ride in which Jason the impressionist dons wigs, boas, and bursts forth with numerous vocal transmogrifications that encapture and personify every past and present singing icon worthy of honouring and, of course, parodying. 

Even Julia Child gets cookin’.

In a nutshell, this is a variety performance starring onefella.

Judy Garland gets the first analysis, and it is a doozy. Other notable mentions include Cher, Macy Gray, Barbra Streisand, Elmo (yes, Sesame Street’s Elmo), Scott Stapp, Aaron Neville, Lady Gag (that’s deliberate) plus many more.

Jason’s voice soars throughout the show, and he can move too.

Too often in Nelson, local talent is overlooked or unappreciated, while many acts from out of town get full houses, despite frequent mediocre shows.

I very much hope that the Nelsonians who tend to bypass local productions swallow their snobbery and see this show.

Perhaps they’ll begin to discover what a fantastic array of wonderful talent lies beneath their noses. Maybe they’ll even start turning up to the theatre on time.

But enough bah-humbug from cynical ‘ol me. This is such an enjoyable show. With a dedicated and professional technical team providing solid lighting, props and sound, and a man at the helm who is in total contractof his craft, you gotta see the ImpoSTAR. 

UTTERLY INSPIRING!