Don’t have time to read the full review? Click here for a quick summary of the who, what, where and wine of this production.
The twice removed cousin on his mum’s side is coming out of the basement and into the spotlight! After being hidden from the public eye for years while her cousin rose to fame, she’s taking the spotlight back to bring a night full of unseen parody songs to Sydney Fringe.
Ellen Christina has, in her depiction of the resentful cousin of Weird Al, created an sensational character. Her NY Long Island accent and expressive eyes are enough to send the audience into paroxysms of giggles. The overarching story about celebrities overshadowed by their more famous look-alike (Jamie-Lynn Speares style), and witty spoof songs from the Lizzie Maguire Movie, Billy Eilish, Cabaret and more, make for a really enjoyable show.
The story also captures the resentment of many actors starting a career in the performing arts industry, attending audition after audition and seeing peers get ahead while feeling stuck in place. This slight grounding balances the farce beautifully.
That being said, it could use some polish. Direction falls down a bit in the middle, and the plot becomes a little scattered. Lighting and display coordinator Emily Boffa pops up on stage now and then to contribute interpretive dance and backup singing, which is great, but her appearances feel a bit random. A couple of the rougher songs take away a little from the really well-developed ones.
Set design and lighting are well suited to the show, and costuming is a good mix of practical and goofy. Sketch and revue comedy shows are meant to be as rough and tumble as they are funny, and Weird Al’s cousin gets close to the right balance here.
Purchase your ticket to Weird Al’s Cousin here.
Unfined White Wine | Wine Pairing
In 2015 I volunteered at Byron Bay Falls Festival, the same year that Weird Al played. One of my jobs was to help prep the riders for the performers, and I remember Weird Al wanting all organic everything. So, I’ve gone for an organic white that’s as unfiltered as his Cousin in this performance. It should work for both of them, should they ever reunite
My Pick: Escape Room Sauvy Blanc Lofi, McLaren Vale, SA
The acidity, citrus and tropical notes of a classic Sauv, with a touch of herbaceousness to finish.
Weird Al’s Cousin, Independent Production | Tasting Notes
| Aussie Season | 5 to 9 Sept 2023, Emerging Artist Sharehouse – The Office |
| Ticket $ | $31 |
| Writer | Ellen Christina |
| Director | Phillipa Kennedy-Spencer |
| Theatre Type & Genre | Comedy revue |
| See it if you like | Weird Al, farce, crude comedy |
| Wine Pairing | Organic white wine |
| Criteria for Wine Pairing | unfiltered, fresh citrus notes |
Toasting Aussie Theatre 