By Ruth Sharpe
QUEEN – IT’S A Kinda Magic is the theatrical recreation of the very best of Queen live in concert, a production that has captured the imagination of Queen fans worldwide.
Of the many tribute bands that have emerged since Freddie Mercury’s death in 1991, Queen – It’s A Kinda Magic is regarded as one of the best. Formed in England in 1997 and endorsed by Peter Freestone, Freddie Mercury’s personal assistant and close friend, the band have toured all over the world and are in the middle of another manic schedule as part of Freddie Mercury’s 60th birthday year.
The tribute show delivers the energy, costumes and showmanship of Freddie Mercury and Queen, in a way that transports the audience back in time as they perform 30 of Queen’s greatest hits, including One Vision, Another One Bites the Dust, We are the Champions, Don’t Stop Me Now and an epic encore version of Bohemian Rhapsody.
Craig Pesco has the immense task of emulating Freddie Mercury and his outrageous stage antics have earned him positive reviews from the most die hard of fans. “Mercury wasn’t simply a singer, he was a presence,” says Pesco. The show has been meticulously planned to bring the audience all the magic that made Queen one of the world’s greatest rock bands of all time. The show is full of props including mirrored shades, the cap and painted-on PVC pants, the pink mini skirt from I Want to Break Free and a whole host of other costumes.
Alongside Pesco, Travis Hair manages to recreate Brian May’s inimitable style and sound, Brett Millican displays panache with his drumsticks and sings like drummer Roger Taylor and David Christopher provides the unmistakable bass sound of John Deacon.
Even Freestone, who was by Freddie’s side for the last 12 years of his life, says: “The show isn’t just another cover band doing Queen songs. You really feel the band’s involvement and genuine love of the music that they reproduce on stage,” furthering, “there was only one Freddie, but It’s A Kinda Magic recreates the magic of Freddie live on stage.”
For those who were lucky enough to see Queen live, this is a chance to re-live old memories. For those who weren’t, this is as close as you’ll come to the real thing. Either way, it is a night not to be missed.
Queen – It’s A Kinda Magic are playing at the Oceanos Auditorium at Lisbon Casino on December 3, 20-23 and 27-30. The show begins at 10pm. Tickets are available at www.ticketline.pt, for reservations call 707 234 234.
