Review by Markus Hamence – Performance date: Thursday 25 July 2024, Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide, SA
Em Rusciano is currently touring with a brand-new live experience and her first big national tour since her wildly successful Rage and Rainbows show in 2019, and look yes, she is still angry, but now she knows why. And WE hear all about it…
Em Rusciano says: “The last five years have been brutal, beautiful and bonkers. To be completely honest, they challenged everything I ever believed about myself, to my core. Not to be dramatic, but the term “complete ego death” wouldn’t be out of place here. I’m limping out the other side of it now and felt that it was high time I got myself back on a stage, in an elaborate costume, to workshop my trauma, via an over the top all out musical comedy extravaganza. As one does!”
Her Majesty’s Theatre was a buzz with flower adorned punters on Thursday night. My first Rusciano show (I must be honest), I didn’t realise she had somewhat of a die-hard cult following. I was impressed.
We took our seats in the auditorium and instantly greeted by an impressive stage set. Over-sized flowers in bloom on the stage and hanging from the rafters plus a kaleidoscope of colour dazzled more than setting the scene for what was to come.
After an off-stage introduction (which was fun in itself) Em took to stage with raptuous applause in a FABULOUS gown of green, again, FLOWERS, covering every inch (The late Jeannie Little would’ve been impressed and possibly envious haha).
90% real life story telling and solid comedy and 10% song (complete with band including her dad Vince on guitar), this was a show that was intent on moving us. It did.
I could write sentences upon sentences on the brilliance of Em Rusciano and indeed Outgrown, but I wish to dump a veracious load of words: Provocateur, Brave, Bold, Sincere, Hilarious, Unashamedly Honest, Intelligent, Fun, Self Deprecating, Hurt, Healing, Authentic, Powerful, Angry, Happy, Entertaining, Professional, Lover of Men, Hater of Patriarchy, Thought Provoking, Challenging, Self Reflective, Awkward, Passionate BUT above all, a Good Human.
In my estimation Em Rusciano is Australia’s true Queen Of Comedy. Her ability to connect with the audience is exemplary. Whether you sit in the front row (Hello Cricket Dave) or the very back row, Em speaks to YOU. Her comedy is well-timed and NOT over rehearsed, it feels new and fresh.
Covering off all the subjects from her husband Scott’s pubes in her eye cream, burning her children’s school art and patriarchy, it’s when her unfiltered charm tackle her recent diagnosis’ of ADHD, Autism and early menopause (Complete with a VERY fancy purple dragon) that we went for the ride of our lives and down various relevant tangents. It was eye opening content (delivered very humorously) that made every audience member think twice and re evalue what they only assumed from surface level at times.
The songs, self penned, or slightly reworded classics were delivered with her powerful voice that sours effortlessly. Her confidence with her talent is one of her redeeming features. The band of five were terrific and held there own, chuckling away and engaging from behind the array of giant blooms on stage.
Wrapping It Up…
Em Rusciano’s latest offering, ‘Outgrown,’ is nothing short of a romping spectacle. This show is an honest blend of raw emotion, biting humor, and a celebration of growth. Em, a powerhouse performer known for her candid storytelling and larger-than-life stage presence, has once again delivered a show that resonates deeply with audiences. BRAVO my Queen Of Australian Comedy.
Check out our FULL GALLERY of images from the performance here!
