DAN Aykroyd and Judith Belushi Pisano have brought an instantly recognisable and classic brand of blues and soul roaring into the Grand Opera House for a three-day run of The Blues Brothers…Approved.
On Thursday’s opening night, the suits, shades and pork pie hats were in place, the band was revved up and the dancing was vibrant as the energetic show ran like clockwork.
Familiar songs from past Blues Brothers shows – Everybody, Gimme Some Lovin’, Think, Sweet Home Chicago – were intermingled with new performances to give the show a fresh, but not too modern kick and keep the audience on their toes.
After fully warming to the show in the second half, that was just how the audience were: up on their feet.
There was no escaping the encouragement of Joliet Jake and Elwood Blues (Brad Henshaw and Christopher Chandler) to join them in song and dance – words and choreography being provided via humorous props.
The show was not lacking in cheeky jokes and dances, but that is not to say that it was completely without heart.
It featured tender tales of love and hardship as well as rip-roaring comic tunes. But it found most success in excellently blending the two together, with only the occasional jarring lyric.
The show ended as it began – with a bombastic barrage of classic songs that served as a perfect finale to a thoroughly entertaining night.
The Blues Brothers… Approved, Grand Opera House, York, tonight at 7.30pm. Box office: 0844 871 3024 or atgtickets.com/york
Review by Ross Parry
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here