REVIEW - Viva La Vida Loca Las Vegas | The Axis of Awesome

Written by Gordana Andjelic-Davila

Thursday, 10 April 2014 09:15

Ever hear of ‘The Axis of Evil?’ The term was initially coined by former U.S. president George W. Bush in a State of the Union Address back in 2002, when he identified Iran, Iraq and North Korea as governments assisting terrorism and seeking weapons of mass destruction. What about ‘The Axis of Awesome?’ Contrary to what might come to mind, The Axis of Awesome does not describe countries which inspire an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration, or induces awe, instead it is the name three very talented musicians/comedians have gone by for nearly eight years. Rocking their unique brand of musical comedy and gaining fans from around the globe, including some A-list fans like Ashton Kutcher and Journey, The Axis of Awesome are back for their sixth Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) season, to elate audiences with their brilliant quirkiness. The Awesome trio, lead vocalist Jordan Raskopoulos, who might just be Jack Black’s long lost brother, Benny Davis, the a classically trained musician, who amazes with his keyboard skills and vocals, and guitarist Lee Naimo, a self proclaimed fan of Hanna Montana’s music, were inspired by Coldplay, Elvis and Ricky Martin, and decided to name their latest show, Viva La Vida Loca Las Vegas. According to the guys, the idea seemed good at the time of the show name's inception, but when they attempted to melt the three very distinct musical styles, they outcome was less than favorable. The audience seemed to think otherwise, as they performed the “collage” of songs by Coldplay, Elvis and Martin, the Spiegletent vibrated with rip-roaring laughter and cheer. Though they intentionally sounded rickety and even a bit croaky, they were simply hilarious! They performed a string of songs during their hour-long repertoire which seemed to get incrementally better as the show unfolded. A song about a hobo, set to the melody of Flo Rida’s Apple Bottom Jeans was one of the evening’s highlights, as was my personal favourite, a number about boy bands, and what is the secret to a great love song (including gestures and dance moves). Jordan, Jack and Benny are indeed very witty, and I found their show very original, but after sitting in on Viva La Vida Loca Las Vegas, I walked away in awe of their singing. These boys have some pipes on them. Will they take the next step and start some serious dancing too? Hmm, there’s a concept. I eagerly look forward to next year’s MICF, and The Axis of Awesome’s next show. Star 100 Entertainment presents Viva La Vida Loca Las Vegas The Axis of Awesome Venue: The Famous Spiegeltent at Federation Square | Flinders St, Melbourne Dates: 8 – 20 Apr, 2014 Tickets: $28 – $22 Bookings: Ticketmaster 1300 660 013 Part of the 2014 Melbourne International Comedy Festival The above review was originally published on Australian Stage, and it can be viewed here.