Review: Teenage Dreams

Wow! What a fabulous diva-tastic night out! The audience were in hysterics from the beginning till the very end. In a typical diva like presentation, Josh RH Daveta delivered an engaging and spectacular cabaret show at the Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse.

What an appropriate venue for this amazing performer to showcase his powerhouse voice in his new cabaret show, Teenage Dreams.

The show itself was a wonderful collaboration by Daveta and his musical director, who brilliantly accompanied the star with his musical talents on the Baby Grand piano. Daveta showcased his talents through the use of his favourite pop idols, such as ‘Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Brittany Spears, Lady Gaga, Jesse J and so much more, making the songs his very own. At first it was a mystery to how the songs were going to be transitioned and how the story would be developed. Through the use of a true tongue in cheek and slightly sexual innuendo banter, he kept the audience engaged and intrigued throughout the whole performance. Audience participation was integral to this comic cabaret, as Daveta invited a woman upon the stage to be a part of the tribute to Katy Perry song “I kissed a girl and I liked it.” This kept the audience guessing what would Daveta do next?

The scripting of the show was quite cleverly written, however the opening sequence could have been developed further as this would have allowed the performance to have extended time. When asking Daveta what his future plans were after his show here in Brisbane, he says with an enormous theatrical gesture;

“The plan has always been to try and pitch and tour this performance, so this was our stepping ground to try and test the waters. It’s a great show and it can be performed anywhere in pubs, in theatres etc, and as there is only two of us it’s easy to travel. Next stop I hope will be Sydney and Melbourne.”

This young enthusiastic, gregarious, and sometimes eccentric performer is extremely entertaining to watch. If Daveta and his cabaret show Teenage Dreams do eventually get to tour, make it a point to go and watch – you will not be disappointed. The only complaint would be that the show wasn’t long enough.