Who: Aaron McIlroy and the Centrestage All-Star Band
Where: Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre
When: Until April 22
Rating: ****
Combine the talents of a Port Elizabeth band who have sold out shows all over the Eastern Cape with one of Durban's best-loved comedians and you have something magnificent.
The Magnificent 7 takes the audience through a montage of classics from some of the greatest bands of all time such as the Beatles, Queen and Creedence Clearwater Revival. The songs are performed by the immaculate Centrestage All-Star Band, with funnyman Aaron McIlroy hosting the show as a kooky alien anthropologist.
The Centrestage All-Stars definitely lived up to their name with equally talented performances from all combining in a breath-taking rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody.
Gino Fabbri kept the audience clapping from behind the drums and also gave a stellar performance as Keith Richards. Wayne Kallis kept the energy flowing on guitar at the front and his rocker vocals blended in well with the smooth voice of musical director Donovan Hattingh.
Donna Africa not only commanded the stage with her voice, but also her smile, and led a lovely version of Dancing Queen along with some delighted little audience participants.
Most impressive of all was Rory McLaren with his clear voice wrapping around the role of Freddie Mercury and even making it look easy.
McIlroy was armed with his usual brand of irreverent humour, playing the geeky Field Marshal William Shatner II who embodied different characters throughout the show. He doesn't even need to open his mouth to get the audience going and his hilarious interludes helped to keep the lively pace and energy of the show. McIlroy also took up the mic to sing with the band and impressed the audience not only with his voice, but with a few patented dance moves they won't soon forget.
It was an enjoyable evening out, ruined only by the haunting image of McIlroy in a certain flimsy zebra-striped Speedo.