Pennsylvania Avenue

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https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/

Date Reviewed: 21/01/2016

by Irena Begelfor

Hop on a ride of emotions for a story of the human condition

Simply brilliant! Bernadette Robinson is a name that should be widely known. Her talent is extraordinary. 

Bernadette Robinson is a solo performer in Pennsylvania Avenue. The setting is The Blue Room in The White House. Harper Clemence (Bernadette Robinson) shares her memories of working in the East Wing.

In 90 minutes, we experience 40 years of Harper's life at The White House. She takes us into the past through a witty, engaging narrative as she recalls her journey of working as an event planner for The Presidents.

Single-handed, Robinson transforms into all those people that she recalls over the years, starting from Marilyn Monroe where she sings "Happy Birthday Mr President" in that Marilyn way. Similarly, Robinson's voice, accent and mannerisms transform into other iconic singers like Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin and Barbra Streisand.

Initially I thought that Bernadette's voice was a recording, but no, it really was her singing.

Even though the play is set in one room and we see only one performer, Robinson evokes our imagination and we go back in time with her, we grieve and rejoice with her and not for one minute does Robinson release her audience of this tension until the show is over.