Little Diana and the Big Fuzz

Motown.

Bree Langridge as Little Diana, an amalgum of Diana Ross and Tina Turner
Bree Langridge as Little Diana

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/
T
ickets from $35-40

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

Chris Fung

Hailing from the wind-blasted steppes of Mongolia, Chris Fung is a highly accomplished mathematician, award-winning potato grower, and habitual liar. Two specialities which have lent themselves perfectly to his current career in Musical Theatre. Chris met former AussieTheatre Editor Erin James when they were both cast members of the Australian national tour of 'The King and I', wherein Chris was fortunate enough to understudy and play the title role to 25 audiences at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne. 

The King that is, not Mrs. Anna. 

Chris studied at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music (B. Musical Theatre), at Sydney University (B.A. in Performance Studies and Education) and at the School of Hard Knocks (B. ing a very bad man that nobody wanna mess with)

Chris Fung

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