El Piano Rojo was jam-packed last Sunday, as the grapevine had worked overtime following the previous night’s performance by Dame Edna impersonator, Michael L. Walters. So many turned out for the second and final show that the performance was delayed while additional seating was brought in.
Created by Australian dadaist performer Barry Humphries some 50 years ago, and evolving ever since, Dame Edna Everage is an Australian and British icon.
While a female impersonator impersonating a female impersonator is an unusual concept, award-winning actor, singer and celebrity impersonator Walters’ portrayal is so accurate that Humphries calls his performance “spectacular.”
Those familiar with the Dame Edna character found it hard to believe that Walters’ version was not the original. The entire image – wisteria-colored hair, rhinestone specs, heavy make-up and flamboyant clothes copied from the originals – is meticulously reproduced.So is the persona. Frequently addressing her audience as “possums,”the Aussie twang was evident in the characteristically twinkly-eyed, outrageous humor. “Ahjeesjich? What kind of a name is that? It sounds like a Jewish deli” and, “I’ve realized that Ahjeesjich is a cultural hotbed – rather like a dish of yoghurt.”
Irreverent badinage with audience members foolhardy enough to sit near the stage, formed a large part of the act. True to the original, Walters quickly built a rapport and remembered every name and detail, while maintaining an hysterically funny repartee that kept everyone in stitches.
Dame Edna’s signature version of “Hello Dolly,” was faithfully reproduced, as was Robeson’s “Old Man River,” when the beautiful voice and powerful resonance brought the house down.
Closing with “I Am What I Am,” Walters threw every member of the audience one of Dame Edna’s favorite gladdies (gladioli) to take home!
It was a great night and hopefully Walters will bring Dame Edna back soon.