If you’re looking for the perky teenager from Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink and The Breakfast Club, you won’t find her here. Although she’s kept the trademark red curly crop, Molly Ringwald’s brat-pack days are well behind her.
In An Evening with Molly Ringwald, Ringwald explores her sophisticated, sultry side with an enjoyable, varied line-up of jazz tunes. Many of these songs come from The Great American Songbook, but these classic numbers are scattered amongst original songs and new interpretations of musical theatre standards. The show culminates in a soft jazz version of ‘Don’t You Forget about Me’ from The Breakfast Club as a tribute to John Hughes; an audience favourite for the night. The song choices are intelligent, and vary enough in mood and theme to keep the audience excited while still forming a cohesive set.
Ringwald, as you would expect from the woman once named the greatest teen star of all time, interprets her songs with a commitment to storytelling and emotion. Transitioning easily from tearful to flirty, she moves the show along skilfully. The show is perhaps more similar to a concert than a cabaret, however, with Ringwald keeping the speaking part of her show to a minimum in favour of more musical content. The stories she does tell in the show are focused on her time as a wife, mother and jazz artist, rather than the tales of ‘80’s Hollywood that the audience expects. A few more anecdotes might have added colour to the evening, especially as Ringwald’s light-hearted spoken demeanour is so enjoyable.
Musically, Ringwald’s interpretation of her material is consistent and easy to listen to, if occasionally predictable. Her voice is sweet and well-controlled, with a clear tone and flawless pitch. Ringwald works exceptionally well with her pianist and Musical Director Peter Smith, with the rest of the band also working skilfully as a unit. The arrangements chosen by Ringwald and Smith allow each musician opportunities to showcase their talents individually, impressing the audience with their musicality and never failing to earn applause. The sound for the show was well-balanced and clear, and the lighting design was flattering and appropriate for the intimate, subdued mood of the show.
Those who have found themselves wondering, ‘Whatever happened to Molly Ringwald?’ will get their answer in this charming, refined performance. The show is unpretentious, quirky and fun, and will leave the audience with a whole new impression of the ex-teen queen.
Ringwald’s second show, Molly Ringwald and her Jazz Quartet, will play in Auckland on 12-13 June, Melbourne on 21 June and the Gold Coast on 22 June.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
An Evening with Molly Ringwald
Musical Director: Peter Smith
The Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide
5 – 9 June
Adelaide Cabaret Festival
www.adelaidecabaret.com
7 – 22 June
