Live Review: Village People, Andee Frost

Some Zoo Twilights punters make minimal effort, just popping on a hat by way of reference to their favourite member of Village People, and there are lots of $2 shop purchases on display. As the sky drizzles, Andee Frost's funky cuts incorporate the theme to Monkey Magic. There are mainly rich, suburban families laying out their rugs, unfolding portable chairs and opening up hampers.

 

Miraculously, the rainfall ceases almost on cue as Village People are introduced to the stage after a portion of The Star-Spangled Banner is played. We drag ourselves away from the Grey Parrot enclosure and race down the front, ducking under some bunting onto grass when we're told we can't stand on the walkway. And on the six characters romp to The Brothers Johnson's Stomp. We're referred to as "Macho Melbourne" and then it's straight into Macho Man, during which a kid in our vicinity mistakenly sings, "I've got to be a nacho!" It's backing tape bliss and Felipe Rose (aka Native American)'s version of our "Cooee!" shout awakens all cougars present. The choreography is quite complex and extremely effective yet easy enough to pick up if you fancy having a crack at dancing along. And later in the show their cheesiest move yet comes when they kiss their own biceps - left, right. Bill Whitefield (aka Construction Worker) cracks a funny about how to those not yet born in the '70s he's probably Bob The Builder. 

 

Village People host a Trash Disco complete with costume changes (for a coupla members this means just the headwear). Referring to the soggy conditions, Rose quips, "I'd rather not wear clothes if I'm gonna get wet," in hilariously un-PG fashion. Who knew they had a new single? Let's Go Back To The Dancefloor is tolerated being penned by Harry W Casey of KC & The Sunshine Band and all. Haha, what naff lyrics Milkshake contains! (eg "Add some ice cream/And blend/You will have yourself a great milkshake.") Can't Stop The Music may just be more memorable than YMCA tonight. Alex Briley (GI Joe and also the only other remaining founding member aside from Rose) impresses with his soul intro into Sylvester's You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real). Wow, that In The Navy clapping pattern sure is a workout for the bingo arms! Is there a Village People dancercise video? There so should be. Village People also do some cracking flag work during this number. No, fellas, WE want YOU!

 

It's that time already and Go West kicks off the encore. When Village People announce they're taking requests from shirtless people in the audience (yep, there is one sighting), we only half-jokingly call out I Love You To Death (a ripper song!). But YMCA wins, complete with tutorial to ensure the 'M' is done across the chest not on top of the head like a monkey. As the smell of elephant dung wafts past on the breeze, we contemplate: are Village People boy band or tassel (yep, that's the correct collective noun) of male strippers? No matter since youngsters who weren't alive in Village People's heyday can't help but sing these earworms while they walk back to their cars post-show (even if, annoyingly, the only remembered lyrics in one case are, "Young man!" from YMCA).