MUSIC
Flossy and Me
Circus Theatre

Review: Jordan Nix

The artists who take their work to fringe festivals must be congratulated for having the guts to take part in what can be a risky adventure with sometimes little financial pay off. This risk also makes it that extra bit more disappointing to see a show miss its mark. Flossy and Me is the lovechild of Greg Marston and Sandra Carr, singers and entertainers who have more than 40 years of experience between them.

Flossy and Me revolves around the relationship between Carr and Martson, who she nicknames Flossy. Gone is the spark between the two and his ability to sweep her off her feet. She’s tired of him and not afraid to let him know. Flossy tries everything to win her back; he cooks for her, tries to serenade her and attempts to make her laugh again.

It’s an uphill battle that the audience shares in and not in the come-along-ride-for-the-ride sort of way. The arrangement of songs is clever, each helping to tell the story. The problem is that Carr and Martson somehow manage to rob the tunes of life and energy. It at times feels like they are going through the paces in their lounge room.

The singing isn’t bad, in fact the opening song Hit the Road Jack showcases Marton’s strong vocals, but they don’t give enough in their performances to do songs like Baby, It’s Cold Outside, That’s Amore and Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend justice. It often feels bland and pedestrian. It’s a pity because you want to like the duo and there’s potential for this show to capitalise on the sentimentality of these timeless tunes.

The banter between the two is stilted and often misses the mark for humour. Then there is the late inclusion of trying to involve the audience, which by this point in the show is a lost cause.
There’s a moment in the show when Flossy has all but given up on his quest to woo his love back and decides to turn to alcohol. I needed a drink too.

Flossy and Me runs until February 1 and is part of Fringe World 2013.