Odd word. Not one I recognise. Sounds vaguely scientific. I hope it's not - gasp - some newfangled self-help term!
I better look it up in the imaginary dictionary I just created in my head.
Sarahtonin:
An infectious enthusiasm designed to cause an abundance of laughter and smiling in large groups of strangers. Often found in airport terminals, row 53 of international bound jet airliners, and the Red Room of the Leederville Hotel. Typically involves singing, witty anecdotes, and a fondness for risk-taking and awe.
Row 53 seems pretty specific I think to myself…
Which is where we begin in talking about this 50 minute cabaret by Sarah Bowers, accompanied by Koert van der Laan on guitar. Recently graduated from WAAPA I know Sarah is going to crush the vocals. What elevates this show is the unbridled joy Sarah brings in performing. There's an ease and confidence here that is, yes, infectious as she plays around with lyrics and the delivery of well-known standards. Plus a couple of original songs for good measure.
All in service of telling her truth. In well crafted stories that are funny, illuminating, and free of any self-censorship. This is Sarah's authentic self. You can't help but laugh and smile as she's figuratively jumping out of her skin with happiness.
Sarah tells us she's the sort of person who makes friends with anyone in any circumstance. I utterly believe her. Excerpts from ten years of her friendship diary reinforce the point.
Stories that I won't spoil here that are testament to living life to the fullest with a surprising amount of Shakespeare references and more than a dash of Rodgers & Hammerstein. A lovely and extended tribute to Sarah's grandmother who is in the audience. And a 6’2” Italian who everyone sees in their imagination as he's brought vividly to life in such charming fashion.
The show fittingly begins and ends with Carole King's Beautiful and takes us on a tour through such songs as My Funny Valentine, My Favourite Things, and I Can Hear The Bells; all with a unique spin put on them to hilarious effect. Koert acts as the straight man, at times as bemused as we are about the spontaneous antics on display.
In the end everyone is cheering and laughing with a full dose of Sarahtonin. Turns out maybe it was a self-help show after all… and we all feel better for the fact.
*Sarahtonin is upstairs in the Red Room at the Leederville Hotel for one more night - Thursday 6 February.
*Also can be found within a hundred metre radius of Sarah at all times.
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