Hamer Hall, Melbourne. A beautiful Saturday night. Rufus Wainwright. What else could you need?

How about some brooches? A few changes of outfits? Several multi talented musicians. And of course, some camp-ness. Will that do? It certainly outdid my expectations. Despite the confusion in the media regarding the performance (some people, myself included, thought it would be the Rufus Does Judy concert, like the one held in Carnegie hall), it was a spectacular event nonetheless.

all of a sudden “Judy” had appeared, done up in her diamantes, a fat ring with matching gorgeous earrings, giant black heels and her signature cabaret black hat..."

Our seats were perfectly in front of the stage so close that I could almost hear him breathe. Every member of the ensemble was decked out from here to the cosmos in what can only be described as the seventies crossed with bling. Rufus himself strolled out onto the stage in a white striped suit, plastered in brooches. And it was clear that there was not a shirt on underneath, with his lovely black hairs protruding from his white triangle of skin not covered by the jacket. Matching his outfit was his own version of the American flag as a backdrop behind him. Black and white stripes to represent the current evils of Western society complete with brooches for the stars, dedicated to the wonderful things that America represents. A subtle yet provocatively simple statement about his homeland.

The first song was appropriately ‘Release the Stars’, the title track from his latest studio album (not including the ‘Rufus Does Judy’ release) and it kicked the night off into a groovy mood. Watching Rufus dance evoked such a euphoric freedom inside me to get up and start jiving away with him. He was unrestricted and in love with the music, constantly gazing up into space: a perfect entertainer. Light reflecting off a few mirror balls gave off a lovely atmosphere as the audience were entranced by flying ‘stars’. How literally quaint.

Judy songs did make an appearance. With accompaniment from the piano, Rufus crooned along to two Judy Garland songs that, upon first hearing, didn’t sound as if they came from the album ‘Rufus Does Judy’. It mattered none as he absolutely aced it. Other highlights included the Irish folk song where he and four musicians performed without microphones or audio support. It was absolutely amazing.

The encore was surely the most unforgettable part of the night. After being spellbound by his baritone voice all night, the audience deeply in tuned with his lyrical love of jazzy harmonies, the night was slowly but surely transformed into a musical spectacle for all. First Rufus was sitting in his white bathrobe, then all of a sudden “Judy” had appeared, done up in her diamantes, a fat ring with matching gorgeous earrings, giant black heels and her signature cabaret black hat. “Judy” arose from her back up dancers (who mysteriously looked exactly like the ensemble band) and proceeded to lip synch “When You’re Smiling (The Whole World Smiles With You)” But this was no Britney performance. Spirit fingers made their move as “Judy” strode across stage with as much grace and exaggeration as a drag queen. It was impossible not to laugh, as it was obvious that Rufus was having as much fun as us!

Suddenly we were filing out, the night being spent and over. We spilled out into the night, Rufus’s voice echoing softly in our heads, a lullaby to go to sleep with.

Tags: judy garland, rufus wainwright