This zany, full-on performance by Amber Scates, a multi-talented singer, dancer, comedian, and self-help guru, might be the live-theatre equivalent to the film Everything Everywhere All At Once. It was like drinking from a fire hose, trying to keep up and take in all of the incredible multimedia visuals, sounds, and lights as the lead-up to Amber’s fantastic, original musical numbers. What a voice this young, WAPPA-trained songstress possesses!
A large, pixelated screen projected wild graphics, family photo collages, and videos of the different versions of Amber, who talks back to herself as her alter ego. Amber showed off her giant Revelations Journal and oversized pen (made by her mother!) and regaled the audience with her numerous Realtime Self-Help Revelations, each paired with a costume change and a fun song-and-dance routine. The revelations included helpful mottos, such as “You are here for a reason, so commit,” “We all win when we all win,” “You aren’t your thoughts, you are the witness,” and one that exemplifies FRINGE WORLD, “All that you are is love.”
Amber graced the stage in unique, colourful costumes—starting with a Peter Max psychedelic body suit, followed by a gorgeous feathered pink robe, a couple of fashionable mini-skirt outfits, and finally, a royal blue number with a huge furry collar with a skunk-like white stripe. In this lively performance, Amber poured her heart out through a series of revelations, courageously revealing various facets of her life and personality. Boldly venturing into the audience, she encouraged people to share their fears or problems, then proceeded to improvise songs based on what they revealed to her.
Amber may have saved the best for last with her final song, where she harmonised with her own recorded voice. It was beautiful. She was accompanied by an excellent two-piece band on stage—drums/percussion and electric guitar. The Air Nightclub was the perfect setting with its uber-modern atmosphere, multiple levels, and disco lighting. It felt like we were sitting on a moonrock floating in space.
This was the final FRINGE WORLD performance for Amber Scates’s show, but definitely keep an eye out for her around town, as she is a rising star!