The show appearing on Shea's Theatre stage this week does not contain the typical dramatic monologue or the emblematic song and dance. "Dame Edna: Back with a Vengeance!" is a laugh-a-minute, tears-in-your-eyes comedy show and will be presented through Sunday at Shea's.
Acclaimed in her Australian homeland and a success in London, "Dame Edna" has brought her newest onstage performance to Buffalo. Her witty humor, constant audience interaction, and pure embarrassment make makes for a performance that is more comedic than usual to grace Sheas' stage.
In full drag queen garb, adorned from head to toe with rainbow colors, Dame Edna portrays the perfect housewife turned megastar.
Barry Humphries, who created the Dame Edna character, has played her since 1955. He is a well-known character-actor who performed roles in British films, plays and television shows.
The combination of Edna's piano-playing sidekick Wayne, her leotard-wearing dancing groupies, The Gorgeous Ednaettes, and the gaudy penthouse scenery, create a one-of-a-kind comedy act.
The Master of the Dame's Musik, Wayne Barker, sits at a grand piano in the corner of the stage, offering brilliant melodies to coincide with the spurts of song.
The Gorgeous Ednaettes showcase the whimsical dancing steps of Teri DiGianfelice and Michelle Pampena.
One audience member in particular thinks that "Back with a Vengeance" wouldn't have been so spectacular without the addition of the Ednaettes.
"The show is so funny and much better than what I've seen before on HBO, but the dancers are definitely my favorite," said Kevin Zugger of Salamanca.
"The whole show is really funny but my favorite part is the audience interaction," said Marty DellBovi of Orchard Park. "It is so hilarious."
Dame Edna is known to interact with her audience, so anyone sitting remotely near the stage has a good chance of being in the spotlight at sometime during the evening.
Audience members are subjected to scrutiny over their clothing attire, and even brought onstage for additional embarrassment. Humiliated by what comes out of their own mouths, they struggle to answer Edna's simple questions.
Multi-talented and headstrong, "Back with a Vengeance" demonstrates the talented flair for which Dame Edna is notorious.
"Dame Edna: Back with a Vengeance!" not only includes a myriad of comedic conversations with people from the audience, but also establishes her psychic abilities by reading shoes and her brilliant knack for marriage counseling.
Dame Edna continues to grace Buffalo with her presence Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Shea's Ticket Office, at any Ticketmaster location, or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
