After last years successful Boy Band themed holiday show, this year the ladies takeover with Girls Just Wanna Have Fun until February 2^nd.

Like last year’s show, the first act will appeal mostly to older audiences familiar with artists like The Supremes and the Andrews Sisters. The second half delivers more contemporary artists like TLC, Destiny’s Child and of course The Spice Girls. 7 decades of songs are covered in the show. I discovered that although I can’t always remember where I put my phone, I can apparently remember all of the words to songs like The Chordette’s Mr. Sandman and Be My Baby by The Ronettes. These songs are such a part of pop culture that regardless of your age, you’ll end up singing along.

Girl bands are known more for harmonizing over belting, so the inclusion of Heart is a big risk. Tackling any song sung by Anne Wilson is a big task, and Zoe Theodorou and Eden Chiam deliver. April Cook, Alyssa Curto, Jade Kimaya, AJ Bridel and Evlyn O’Toole leading the audience through a Spice Girls set that had many members of the audience doing the choreography for Stop.

There are a few head scratching moments. The Dixie Chicks set ignores their biggest hits Wide Open Spaces and Earl. While the girl supergroupLady Marmalade was vocally spectacular, it seemed that Cher was included with Pink and Christina Aguilera. The end of the show features lesser-known artists like B*Witched, All Saints and Little Mix. Despite the energetic delivery, the songs lost something in comparison to the rest of the show.

The costumers are glorious, accurately capturing iconic looks for artists like TLC, The Pointer Sisters, and more. The use of video screens has taken the revues to a new level visually. After decades of doing the Revue style, it’s a challenge to make the style feel fresh and new and Stage West continues to evolve with the presentation.

If you are a fan of Girl Groups this is a must-see show. Grab your tickets before it closes February 2^nd.

Related Articles

Contributor Jason Clevett |

Locale Calgary |

Topic Stagewest | Theatre |