Little Diana and the Big Fuzz

Motown.

The musical styling that introduced the world to the likes of ‘The Jackson Five’, ‘Diana Ross and The Surpremes’ and ‘Marvin Gaye’.

The phenomenon that had all of America moon walking, and hip shaking, and measuring mountains, and feelin’ good.

Unquestionably, one of the most culturally pervasive and present influences in music throughout history, is coming to visit The Hayes Theatre Co in Sydney, and Chapel off Chapel in Melbourne, for 2 nights only – in the pint-sized, powerfully packaged form of ‘Little Diana and the Big Fuzz’.

Playing as a part of the Hayes Theatre cabaret season, Bree Langridge and her crew are putting on an all-groovin’, all-shakin’ celebration of what it truly meant to be a musician playing throughout the dynamic rise of the Motown record label.

Exploring the story through her character of “Little Diana”, Bree gives audiences a glimpse of some of the incredible events which have shaped the music of Motown as well, as the people. From financial hardship, to racial prejudice , to critical acclaim, Bree guides you smoothly through a historical and musical journey, all the while playing some of the funkiest music that has ever made a bottom shake.

The show plays like a live Motown concert, and fittingly, Bree has sourced some of the cream of the Australian Music Industry to fill out her band. Kuki Tipoki takes lead male vocals and plays Guitar -the astute reader will recognise his name from the program of such productions as Sweet Charity, Shout! and The Tap Pack. Darryl Beaton plays Piano and has worked as a performer and Musical Director for little known names like Kanye West, Harry Connick Jr, and is currently touring as Jessica Mauboy’s Musical Director. Kevin Mendoza is one of the most highly regarded percussionists in Australia and plays drums, with credits which range the gamut of Television from X-Factor AU to Australian Idol to So You Think You Can Dance. Rounding out the Fuzz is Martin Carl Serra on Bass. Martin’s career highlights include playing for Olly Murs (UK), TV appearances for shows like X-Factor AU, and Sunrise, and accompanying Nathaniel Willemse.

And to direct? Darren Yap, the man behind such hits as Miracle City, King Kong and Miss Saigon.

The music is groovin’, the band are poppin, and the show is sellin’ for a strict engagement only. Details to the short (and highly anticipated season) are below.

The Hayes Theatre, Sydney
June 9 and 10 at 8:30pm
http://www.hayestheatre.com.au/
Tickets from $35-40

Chapel Off Chapel, Melbourne
June 25, 26 and 27 at 6:30pm
http://chapeloffchapel.com.au/