If the word Broadway puts a smile on your face, you might remember
Chelsea Gibb from the starring role that shot her into the spotlight from the musical
Chicago. This well-rounded artist, who from 1998 incarnated Roxie Hart for four consecutive years, has returned to the stage, this time to narrate her own story:
In These Shoes.
Gibb - who describes herself as a red-haired tomboy child with freckles - grew up in the country, moved to Perth to study drama and before she realised had found herself alone and needing to overcome her insecurities. During
In These Shoes the performer walks her audience through the story of her life, from the uncertain beginnings and common insecurities of a young artist through to the shiniest moments of her career, motherhood, friand baking and stepping back onto stage.
Gibb is a storyteller who uses the skill that catapulted her to fame to share her own journey. She sings, tapping into a wide array of styles - jazz, swing and pop to name a few - and she does it with a beautiful voice, mastering a crisp sound and taking the audience exactly where she wants them to be. Her performance is sassy and entertaining and as soon as she appears on stage you can't help being mesmerised by her sparkling green eyes, which match the brightness of the numerous diamonds in her outfit.
Accompanied by three skilful musicians (a bass player, a percussionist and a gentleman on the grand piano), Gibb puts in words and chords what it feels like to go from a rather lonely daydreamer to becoming the girl on the grand billboard. Throughout the performance the artist reflects on the ephemerality of celebrity - "stars come and go", she sings - and life beyond the closing night of a renowned show.
Her performance also takes a light-hearted browse through her love story; starting with a teenage crush on the man starring a Decore ad, and culminating in marriage and the ongoing upbringing of two beloved daughters. "From Roxie to Martha Stuart", she winks.
All in all Chelsea Gibb offers a show that comes, without a trace of doubt, from her heart. She means what she sings and has fun doing it. Chelsea breathes music and exhales it back to her audience with refinement. If you enjoyed shows like
The King and I,
Anything Goes and
Get Happy, make sure to keep an eye on this returning artist - as advertised, her show is both moving and inspiring.
WORDS: Marta Callizo