CABARET
****
Sneasons of Liz
New Town Theatre

Liz Merendino stars in this fantastically innovative, impassioned glimpse into the formative years of a young woman blighted with allergies ‘so rich and so many that’  she made a show out of them.  Merendino plays the part of Liz, who travels the world to escape the crush she’s developed on her step-father.  She finds herself in oft comedic situations, with sexual liaisons which break her heart and force her farther round the globe.  From the Venezualan cheat, to the London transvestite, and then the Tokyo deserter they all serve to distract Liz from her allergies – before breaking her heart and bringing them back with a vengeance.  ‘Pollen comes from male trees – males are the problem!’ states Liz.

Merendino sings her way through the performance, with a velveteen jazz voice somewhat similar to Amy Winehouse. ‘Medieval Dress’ and ‘Stormy Monday’ were my favourite numbers, and the audience was mesmerised by this tiny beautiful woman with a voice which reverberated resoundingly throughout the theatre.  Recognition is deserved also by Merendino’s male counterpart in the show, who is the most amazing piano player I have ever heard! And i’ve been to a lot of piano bars across the globe! He tinkled those ivories with such speed and precision that I was transported far into their world. He also spoke several languages and provided a male voice over where necessary.  Merendino also projected the voice of her mother, utilising a higher pitched squal and a pair of Deidre glasses to complete the effect.

A sexy, soulful performance with a titilising yet charming appeal that will take Merendino far. This is only the start! See her while you can still afford her!