Sunday, 26 May 2024

It's Showtime!

 Recently at the nearby Hyatt Regency Hotel we attended a show put on by singer, dancer, impressionist, Takis Zacharatos.                                                   


It turned out we were sharing a table with two ladies originally not only from Thrace but who were actually from Asvestadis, the village where Z’s mum was brought up. So we shared the many names of family and friends we had in common – what a small world!                                                 

Then the consummate showman made his be-sequined-caped dramatic entrance, paying tribute to our beloved Scot, Annie Lennox, with his opening number being her song – Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This. What was great was we were not at a disadvantage in our cheap-seats-at-the-back location as Takis performed in front of a huge screen on which were projected scenes of him in character, fully glammed up!

Below you can see his take on Liza Minnelli with Noo York, Noo York. His make-up and wig for her were impeccable.                                             

Next was his beautifully exaggerated version of the eternal Dame Shirley Bassey, 87 and still going! :o His rendition of her Goldfinger expressed incredible vocal adaptability.                                          

His set of well-known Elvis numbers gave him the opportunity to show off some really natty dance moves- as well as to croon seductively.                                         

His next tribute was to Marinella, his mentor and well-loved Greek singer. They respect each other greatly and have performed together.                                            

He did some comedy turns featuring other Greek singers and particularly politicians or wannabe candidates for the up-coming Euro-elections.                                   

In his final set he had the audience singing their hearts out as he presented some well-loved old rebetika numbers. He, along with two accompanying lady vocalists, local dancers and musicians, all worked incredibly hard for three hours with no break. They made it a memorable evening.                                  

As we left it was with a real sense of satisfaction, having enjoyed an evening of great entertainment – and having made new friends! Taki, you were terrific!

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