Talented female artists the world over have produced songs that inspire and empower women to be their best.
With their strong, uplifting lyrics, these “power ballads” have seen women through relationship breakdowns, weddings and everything in between. In a single evening, my perception of these songs was irrevocably changed by the unique styling of Dan Finnerty and The Dan Band.
Led by Finnerty (known for his role as the wedding singer in The Hangover), The Dan Band puts a uniquely male twist on popular female ballads, with surprising and occasionally hilarious results.
Looking more like a chop-shop mechanic than an entertainer, Finnerty took to the Festival Theatre stage accompanied by his scrawny male back-up dancers while the theme song from TV’s Wonder Woman blared across the room, setting the mood for the show that was to follow. Over the next hour, audiences watched as he sang along to hits including Rihanna’s “Only Girl (in the World)”, Shakira’s “Hips Don’t Lie”, Britney Spears’ “Slave” and The Pussycat Dolls’ “Don’t Cha”.
It was at times quite disturbing to watch grown men singing songs written by and for women, and Finnerty adds his own touch to each number by altering the lyrics or including an excessive amount of swearing.
Taking inspiration from musical greats such as Elvis and Michael Jackson, the show includes a lot of crotch-grabbing and hip-thrusting, with the amount of sexual innuendo often bordering on vulgar. Finnerty’s performance of Christina Aguilera’s “Genie in a Bottle” was particularly disturbing, but his take on the Beyoncé hit “Single Ladies” (complete with dance routine) was easily the standout of the night. His powerful voice was perfectly matched by the smooth vocals of his band, and I couldn’t help but wonder how they would sound under more serious circumstances.
The comedic dance routines generated plenty of laughs, with the performers flitting about on stage with ribbons, twerking shamelessly and swinging from the ceiling, Pink-style – you have to admire anyone who is willing to dance that badly in public.
Overall, the show was a little hit-and-miss – the accompanying music was played at an ear-shattering level and Finnerty’s foul language eventually became too much for this reviewer. Some of the songs were hilarious and quirky; others were downright awful.
Dan Finnerty & The Dan Band performed one show only at the Festival Theatre as part of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival.
