Rhonda Burchmore has a soft spot for Taree. “I’m quite familiar with it. I come up to the Manning Valley and do Can Assist with the girls there… the audiences have always supported me.”
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The award-winning entertainer will be back in town on Saturday November 11, this time to present ABBA-solutely Fabulous, her show with “bestie” and fellow entertainer Lara Mulcahy, at the Manning Entertainment Centre.
Described as an “outrageously funny romp though ABBA’s smash hits”, it’s a story written by Rhonda and Lara about two die-hard ABBA fans growing up in the 1970s.
“We don’t try to be Frida and Agnetha,” explained Rhonda. “There’s so many songs and a few obscure ones.”
The concept for the show came about in November last year and Rhonda and Lara spent two days writing the script. The pair have been longtime friends and Rhonda said they have great chemistry on stage.
“We’re besties. We were in the original Mamma Mia in 2001 (where they had the chance to meet Benny and Bjorn at auditions) and now we are cast opposite each other in 2017. We’re having a ball and the audience is loving it,” she said.
“So many woman can relate to ABBA songs. I think there’s that girl power thing too. We’re two different shapes and sizes and we rock lycra catsuits and we get out there, take the mickey out of each other and have a ball.”
Rhonda grew up singing and dancing. “I began to sing before I could talk.” Her career includes roles in Hot Shoe Shuffle, Sugar Babies, Mamma Mia and Mame along with a regular guest slot on Hey Hey It’s Saturday.
Lara has played starring roles in Mamma Mia, Les Miserables, Moulin Rouge and more.
It’s been 40 years since ABBA toured to Australia and their music has stood the test of time. “I wish they could bottle what they had,” said Rhonda. The ‘70s and ‘80s were one hit after another. Something clicked with us with the songs and melodies. It’s feelgood music.”
Rhonda has produced and financed the show herself as well as writing, singing, dancing, acting and marketing it.
Rhonda and Lara will do a meet and greet with the audience after the show.
Tickets available online through the Manning Entertainment Centre or at www.rhondaburchmore.com/