Benidorm Palace, the cabaret gem found in of course Benidorm, home to a revue show like no other! There current show Efex, by Moore Entertainment, is a perfect blend of dance, magic, and specialty acts. With exciting special effects and dramatic music choices complimenting the stunning cast of dancers and performers to really produce an unforgettable show!
For, of course purely professional reasons, I went to Benidorm to watch my friend, and fellow graduate of mine, dance at her new job in Benidrom Palace. The stunning beaches and gorgeous weather were just a mere perk of my professional exploration. However, again this post is not directly related to the module 1 tasks that have been set, I really wanted to attempt a "review" style piece of work, as to be honest I was blown away by just how incredible the show was. As I sit here now with the DVD of the show on in the background the music brings back those almost cliché goosebumps that I got when sat there in awe at the actual show! As part of our professional career as artists, we need to immerse ourselves in performances to develop our artistic understanding, it was such an incredible opportunity for me as not only was it a learning curve but I also got to see my best friend and also 2 other Northern Ballet School graduates in their element, performing on a professional stage!
In the heart of Benidorm, lies the Benidorm Palace, a breath taking building from the get go, the metal like infrastructure glistens with light, a curved, elegant building that really draws you in from the start! I bought my ticket outside and headed into the palace to be seated. At first I was speechless, the cabaret style theater is huge! With a live in house band, you have the option to be serenaded while enjoying a luxury 3 course meal, or like me, arrive just in time for the show - with a free beverage included of course!
The live band looked almost minute on the huge stage, but I have to say the live singing in both Spanish and English was stunning. "New Bambú" are a credit to the Palace and with the option of a pre-show boogie on the central dance floor, the atmosphere and ambiance is that of a friendly and enjoyable one from the start - non of that awkward pre-show silence that makes the time before curtain up seem a million years. Then the lights dimmed and the orchestra said their goodbyes and everyone k
new it was time for it to begin: |
| My view |
After a quick "no photography" announcement the lights dimmed again and smoke billowed from the top right hand corner. The dramatic 'Una Odisse En L'espai" started playing, that unmistakable sound of brass and timpani start building up the anticipation as a space age looking tube is lowered from the top corner and the dance floor lifts up to become an extension of the already large stage! Powerful silhouettes of dancers are lifted up along with it as this empty tube is lowered onto a landing pad! Filling with smoke in a slight pause, a climaxing piece of music blares and the tube is lifted to reveal David Climmont (magician and laser extraordinaire) who has magically materialized within the tube! A fantastic use of music and set to create such a fantastic illusion. A brilliant opening, I was on the edge of my seat already.
The lights changed to a blend of reds and yellows, illuminating these stunning dancers in long flowing skirts and tight fitting bodices. Hair slicked back to perfection into a classic Spanish side bun and poised in that typical Spanish profile angular pose with fans! Now having never really studied Spanish dance I was excited from the start. My first impressions were that the choreographer had tried to go for a classic Spanish style with a cheeky sassy twist. The music was heavy with rock elements but a classical Spanish origin. You were drawn into the eyes of the central girls as they posed and fanned and chaîné-d across the stage. The back drop was an audio visual explosion of fire and exciting lights to top of thee dramatic mood. Speaking choreographically, the producer has used every down beat and every isolation with the fan perfectly to contrast then with the flowing classical movements, the girls fanning themselves and smirking making the intricate work look easy... I had an opportunity to have a practice in my own time with a fan and can tell you now, they are one of the hardest props I have ever attempted to use. The way the girls opened and closed the fans was just spot on, that sassy feel as whipped it open then luxuriously fanned themselves enticing in every member of the audience.
Then the men boldly came onto the stage, an air of power and passion, as they walked forward to partner the girls. As if fan work wasn't hard enough, the couples then both manipulated the fan, using it to intertwine with each other. The girls left, leaving the men on stage, as a male dancer I am probably a lot more biased towards the male dancers but also have higher expectations. I must admit although being blown away by the phenomenal intricate flamenco work displayed, the synchronicity was at times a little off. Coming from a very balletic background I am used to the drilling that as a corp de ballet they face, however as a dancer swaying towards the jazz elements, I also understand the raw passion and personal desire to ooze style rather than being a robotic clone of the dancer in front, so I guess I could excuse the odd timing mishap due to the powerful choreography displayed. Saying that, one thing I would be loathed to excuse is the pirouettes, some did a double some did a triple some did more. With a mish mash of turns I feel the choreography became temporarily watered down and it was a shame!
Girls then flooded the stage with "pasodoble" capes and mesmerized us with the sleek powerful whipping of the capes. An excellent idea, the use of props were well thought out and purposeful. Then as if they couldn't include more, the men came back on with castanets to mark the start of final part of the prologue. The castanet work had to be my second favourite part of the opening, the flamenco work was powerful and a stunning female dancer, elegantly walking forward before leading the pack of men in a divine 5-some took my breath away but then all dancers came back onto the stage and the music switched back to the opening sharp music, and the dancers filled the central stage creating a fierce pack of castanet dancers, sharp sequences of isolations were repeated to almost blend the dancers into a Spanish sea of passion and just as you thought the dance was over they exploded back with flamec-splosion of very intricate choreography before building up to the ending where the dances froze and a swift blackout of the lights marked the ending of the prologue.
It took every ounce of theatre etiquette I had not stand up on table and cheer, I do not know whether it was my unfamiliarity with this Spanish fusion or the combination of exquisite choreography and dramatic lights and effects that really had me going, but I was just blown away by the first opening number. Which is how it should be in my opinion, it sets the mood and the mood that was set was of fierce Spanish passion and drama!
A comedy speciality act followed, using members of the audience to create a short sketch about creating a film. Using charismatic actions and sound effects along with hilarious props and the odd "mishap" made for some real classic entertainment. The use of speciality acts is one that is common in revue shows across the globe but they are essential I feel so the dancers can 1. rest and change but also 2. to stop them becoming stale, having a break from the dancers makes every number as dramatic and fresh as the opening. Not that I would get bored of seeing the dance but I am a dancer, speaking as a member of the general public I feel it is vital in creating a well balanced show that will lead to overall enjoyment for all audiences.
On to the next piece, we went back to the dancers, in the piece Andamios. Here we see again the classic Spanish skirt and bodice but with a definite modern flare. Denim and bold patterns grasped the eye. The number began with a fantastic male solo, straying away from the previous Spanish style we see classic jazz work, leaps and kicks and knee slides all performed with a rock star attitude and the soloist really did draw my eye before finishing with a devilishly difficult grandes pirouettes in seconde. My only criticism that I would want to see more, his technique was exceptional and I thoroughly enjoyed his performance.
The next part is what I would describe as West Side Story meets Flamenco. There was almost a modernised flamenco dance off between the boys and and girls using two halves of the stage, it was very good yet I feel my attention was occasionally lost as I was trying to focus on too many things at once. As a style I feel it is incredibly precise yet fluid, so I can imagine how difficult it is to be in perfect timing as there are no definite positions all the time.
The use of scenery again was good, the metal scaffolds were moved across the stage with ease and the lighting followed, really adding to this modern almost back street feel. This lead onto then probably my favourite part of this piece, the acapella dancing. The music was cut and the beat was produced by claps and heels, the rhythms were exciting and dramatic. Men using the wooden boxes as drums really added to this rockish, modern theme. And then as if you thought it could not get any more dramatic, 2 men having a dance battle using rhythms and claps were showered in sparks as surrounding men used rotary saws to hack away at metal plates either side, metallic sparks showered the dancers, it was exciting and also something I had never seen before. Again a fantastic use of prop.
A magic trick followed continuing the saw theme. A huge rotary saw sliced a poor dancer in half, a shrill scream pierced the audiences ears as the table was separated in half, detaching her legs, only to be magically put together unharmed by the magician David. Its a classic magical illusion but I enjoyed how the theme was continued fluidly, blending dance and speciality act. It was short and sweet and the two magical assistants performed well.
We were then brought back to the men, a static use of heel beats and almost tap like leg work with jazzy arm work and isolations. This was the link to the final dance routine of the 1st half, where a female clad in an Irish skirt and curly head piece came on to Celtic music. I know what you're thinking, a flamenco fusion of saws and sparks to Irish? I was apprehensive at first but the tap element was almost similar to the flamenco foot work and actually it was incredibly refreshing. The scaffolding was used as girls danced on top of it building up physical layers to the stage and the again being unfamiliar with Irish dancing I couldn't say whether it was legitimately typical but it definitely had that Irish jig air to it and I thoroughly enjoyed it, the lines and patterns were exciting and there was a lot more movement round the stage that previous numbers which was enjoyable.
This marked the start of a 30 minute interval where we were to be entertained by the in house band once more.
Another 8 hours round the globe, Act 2 started with origami, an Oriental themed part of the show, girls in bright kimonos ran daintily onto the stage. A scenery of pagodas and large Bonsai trees decorated the set, really setting the scene! Continuing with this Oriental theme, the choreography involved 2 different coloured fans and matched the music perfectly. The overall performance was fantastic, the girls were in sync and this Asian fusion with the flamenco dancers worked so well. The men came on in bright red harem pants and sandals, again their dancing followed the same theme and instead of fans nun chucks were used adding a whole new masculine element to the piece. Following on from this came a group of girls in a fantastic costume: a simple short kimono however they were carrying this almost carpet like drape which hung box like down from their shoulders, on the back was exquisite Chinese embroidery. The costumes were to die for but the choreography had to be kept simile due to the sheer width and size of them. Then as a finale for this dance number, a soloist clad in an exquisite kimono did a cheeky removal of several layers, each a different, beautiful kimono of delicate silk until she was in a light yellow number. I found this interesting because in Chinese history, yellow was typically only allowed to be worn by an emperor, this may have been a coincidence but if not, it was clever how the yellow silk was used for this costume to almost bring out the soloist as a main part.
Again, another magic trick, the samurai swords through the box containing the main girl dancer. the trick itself was incredible but in my opinion it was upstaged entirely by the next act. The acrobatic trio performing incredible, gravity defying balancing acts, I was stood up clapping by the end, the tricks were amazing, I was speechless. 3 men using sheer strength to lift each other in hand stands and counter balances. Furthermore spray painted gold, they really gave the justice the notion of being brass statues. The music and slow motion linking movements and the tricks were indescribable. I haven't seen anything that impressive in terms of acrobatics in a show like this, they would not have looked out of place in Cirque De Soleil. My only criticism is they only got one bow and that was as they were lowered into the floor off stage!
Now from China to the future, Technologic Robotrock! This section was full of brilliant costume ideas and modern, funky choreography. The first number involved both girls and boys in the same guard like outfit with a criss cross of bright lights across the chest. A complete change in the choreography bought a refreshing new style out onto the stage. Fist pumps and body isolations touched on the break dance genre, which was performed very well considering these dancers are probably classically trained - showing quite just how versatile the cast were. Furthermore it was nice to move away from feathers and high kicks. Then the robot number where a blacked out stage and dancers in morph suits with lights on just took my breath away! It was funky and fresh, the use of lights on the costume and perfect timing with the tech team meant that the dancers were lit on and off, giving the illusion of them disappearing and reappearing almost instantaneously. I have never quite seen anything like this, the use of the morph suits is quite common but the on and off choreo was just incredible. Again the funk genre strayed away from struts and flamenco but it really was performed brilliantly.
A laser act followed on from this, here we saw David Climent in his other speciality masterpiece. Green lasers and pyrotechnics created a fantastic effect, it was dramatic and different! Any member of the audience would enjoy this, and it was cleverly linked with the previous section.
Now onto the final part of the show before the finale and my ultimate favourite part of the show, Pick a Card! Men brought on huge playing card models on wheels and girls entered the stage clad in huge feathered headdresses and shiny harem pant trousers. It was sassy and sleek! This choreography oozed showgirl passion and although the girls were topless, it was not provocative and I didn't feel like it was seedy. It was pure class and refinement with a hint of that naughty sexy wow factor as the girls strutted forward. The choreography here was my favourite. As much as I loved experiencing the Spanish style that we see throughout, I feel you cannot beat the classic showgirl jazz! The music was amazing to along with the scenery, I was really sad when it ended!
However after we were taken right back to Spain with an amazing number using huge ruffled sleeves that the girls could wave about and drape! Including some intricate partner work as well, the costumes were managed perfectly as I imagine it could be quite awkward. None of the girls had any major mishaps so a lot of rehearsal and drilling must have gone into it! We bounced back after this to diamonds, a show palace classic! Using a set of girls and very well animated male, it was not only sexy and fabulous but also rather comedic. The gentleman was flirtatious and funny and really played up for the girls which was good to see and the girls played back! It was also the first time we saw lip syncing being used which actually was quite nice because it really brought alive and animated the girls expressions in a way we hadn't seen previously - adding layers like this really finished off a number.
A short sound clip from the one and only Lady GaGa's poker face brought us to the next number, this time a sexy girl clad in a black leotard and a headdress in the shape of a spade (as in the one on cards)! An amazing routine again, just adding another layer to this amazing section. She lead the men, had them memorised along with the audience. The choreography was very well thought out, they were in perfect sync and it suited both the men and the soloist! The men upped their game massively but the female soloist really shone for me! It is a shame because I feel the men are overlooked in shows like this the whole time, but with a dancer as stunning as that centre stage its hard not to take your eyes away!
After that it was then time for finale! Much to my displeasure as I wanted the show to continue on into the night! On one half the Spanish girls in ravishing red dresses and glittery fans and the other sexy international dancers in feathers and divine headdresses! I enjoyed how the choreography here was separated into almost two halves before merging into one finale. Showing both strengths of all the dancers. As far as I could tell from the applause and ovations that the cast were receiving, it cant have just been myself who thoroughly enjoyed the show. A release of balloons into the crowd really finished of the show on a high as the curtains shut and marked the end of the show.
Overall I would rate the show 9/10 - on the night I watched it was excellent, a few sections with the more detailed Spanish work fell out of sync and there were some sections where I felt a bit more polishing would really lift the choreography to its maximum potential. However 5/5 for music and song choice, and it was matched perfectly by the choreography. The speciality acts were well placed and the transition of themes was cleverly thought out and a lot more modernised which I enjoyed. I feel that this show is a hidden gem though, as we the instance we think of show palace cabaret we think Paris and Moulin Rouge but this really is up there and beyond those shows. In fact the blend of fans and feathers with modern day magic and choreography is quite unique to Efex and quite revolutionary and forthcoming within the genre. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is able to go and see it!
I hope you have enjoyed reading this piece and hopefully I have inspired more people to go and spectate such a spectacle. I was blown away and I am sure you will be too! I also hope that my review has given justice to the show, I have not had much experience writing something like this so feedback and comments will be helpful!
Another 8 hours round the globe, Act 2 started with origami, an Oriental themed part of the show, girls in bright kimonos ran daintily onto the stage. A scenery of pagodas and large Bonsai trees decorated the set, really setting the scene! Continuing with this Oriental theme, the choreography involved 2 different coloured fans and matched the music perfectly. The overall performance was fantastic, the girls were in sync and this Asian fusion with the flamenco dancers worked so well. The men came on in bright red harem pants and sandals, again their dancing followed the same theme and instead of fans nun chucks were used adding a whole new masculine element to the piece. Following on from this came a group of girls in a fantastic costume: a simple short kimono however they were carrying this almost carpet like drape which hung box like down from their shoulders, on the back was exquisite Chinese embroidery. The costumes were to die for but the choreography had to be kept simile due to the sheer width and size of them. Then as a finale for this dance number, a soloist clad in an exquisite kimono did a cheeky removal of several layers, each a different, beautiful kimono of delicate silk until she was in a light yellow number. I found this interesting because in Chinese history, yellow was typically only allowed to be worn by an emperor, this may have been a coincidence but if not, it was clever how the yellow silk was used for this costume to almost bring out the soloist as a main part.
Again, another magic trick, the samurai swords through the box containing the main girl dancer. the trick itself was incredible but in my opinion it was upstaged entirely by the next act. The acrobatic trio performing incredible, gravity defying balancing acts, I was stood up clapping by the end, the tricks were amazing, I was speechless. 3 men using sheer strength to lift each other in hand stands and counter balances. Furthermore spray painted gold, they really gave the justice the notion of being brass statues. The music and slow motion linking movements and the tricks were indescribable. I haven't seen anything that impressive in terms of acrobatics in a show like this, they would not have looked out of place in Cirque De Soleil. My only criticism is they only got one bow and that was as they were lowered into the floor off stage!
Now from China to the future, Technologic Robotrock! This section was full of brilliant costume ideas and modern, funky choreography. The first number involved both girls and boys in the same guard like outfit with a criss cross of bright lights across the chest. A complete change in the choreography bought a refreshing new style out onto the stage. Fist pumps and body isolations touched on the break dance genre, which was performed very well considering these dancers are probably classically trained - showing quite just how versatile the cast were. Furthermore it was nice to move away from feathers and high kicks. Then the robot number where a blacked out stage and dancers in morph suits with lights on just took my breath away! It was funky and fresh, the use of lights on the costume and perfect timing with the tech team meant that the dancers were lit on and off, giving the illusion of them disappearing and reappearing almost instantaneously. I have never quite seen anything like this, the use of the morph suits is quite common but the on and off choreo was just incredible. Again the funk genre strayed away from struts and flamenco but it really was performed brilliantly.
A laser act followed on from this, here we saw David Climent in his other speciality masterpiece. Green lasers and pyrotechnics created a fantastic effect, it was dramatic and different! Any member of the audience would enjoy this, and it was cleverly linked with the previous section.
Now onto the final part of the show before the finale and my ultimate favourite part of the show, Pick a Card! Men brought on huge playing card models on wheels and girls entered the stage clad in huge feathered headdresses and shiny harem pant trousers. It was sassy and sleek! This choreography oozed showgirl passion and although the girls were topless, it was not provocative and I didn't feel like it was seedy. It was pure class and refinement with a hint of that naughty sexy wow factor as the girls strutted forward. The choreography here was my favourite. As much as I loved experiencing the Spanish style that we see throughout, I feel you cannot beat the classic showgirl jazz! The music was amazing to along with the scenery, I was really sad when it ended!
However after we were taken right back to Spain with an amazing number using huge ruffled sleeves that the girls could wave about and drape! Including some intricate partner work as well, the costumes were managed perfectly as I imagine it could be quite awkward. None of the girls had any major mishaps so a lot of rehearsal and drilling must have gone into it! We bounced back after this to diamonds, a show palace classic! Using a set of girls and very well animated male, it was not only sexy and fabulous but also rather comedic. The gentleman was flirtatious and funny and really played up for the girls which was good to see and the girls played back! It was also the first time we saw lip syncing being used which actually was quite nice because it really brought alive and animated the girls expressions in a way we hadn't seen previously - adding layers like this really finished off a number.
A short sound clip from the one and only Lady GaGa's poker face brought us to the next number, this time a sexy girl clad in a black leotard and a headdress in the shape of a spade (as in the one on cards)! An amazing routine again, just adding another layer to this amazing section. She lead the men, had them memorised along with the audience. The choreography was very well thought out, they were in perfect sync and it suited both the men and the soloist! The men upped their game massively but the female soloist really shone for me! It is a shame because I feel the men are overlooked in shows like this the whole time, but with a dancer as stunning as that centre stage its hard not to take your eyes away!
After that it was then time for finale! Much to my displeasure as I wanted the show to continue on into the night! On one half the Spanish girls in ravishing red dresses and glittery fans and the other sexy international dancers in feathers and divine headdresses! I enjoyed how the choreography here was separated into almost two halves before merging into one finale. Showing both strengths of all the dancers. As far as I could tell from the applause and ovations that the cast were receiving, it cant have just been myself who thoroughly enjoyed the show. A release of balloons into the crowd really finished of the show on a high as the curtains shut and marked the end of the show.
Overall I would rate the show 9/10 - on the night I watched it was excellent, a few sections with the more detailed Spanish work fell out of sync and there were some sections where I felt a bit more polishing would really lift the choreography to its maximum potential. However 5/5 for music and song choice, and it was matched perfectly by the choreography. The speciality acts were well placed and the transition of themes was cleverly thought out and a lot more modernised which I enjoyed. I feel that this show is a hidden gem though, as we the instance we think of show palace cabaret we think Paris and Moulin Rouge but this really is up there and beyond those shows. In fact the blend of fans and feathers with modern day magic and choreography is quite unique to Efex and quite revolutionary and forthcoming within the genre. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is able to go and see it!
I hope you have enjoyed reading this piece and hopefully I have inspired more people to go and spectate such a spectacle. I was blown away and I am sure you will be too! I also hope that my review has given justice to the show, I have not had much experience writing something like this so feedback and comments will be helpful!
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