Dame Edna Everage–the legendary, larger than life Australian export and international (purple haired) sensation–has been performing her final farewell tour at downtown Los Angeles’ Ahmanson Theatre since January 24th and is now in the home stretch–there are only seven performances left! Edna was first brought to life down under back in the mid 1950s by renowned comedian, actor and author Barry Humphries–a fascinating and brilliant chap who just celebrated his 81st birthday last month. I saw Dame Edna’s Glorious Goodbye The Farewell Tour on opening night (with celebrities such as Pierce Brosnan and Anjelica Huston (!) in attendance)-and it turned out to be a truly hilarious and all-around fabulous evening-Edna’s sass and wit is sharper than ever and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down her oh so ‘wicked tongue’–she reads people in an instant like I’ve never seen before–her improvisational skills are worth being jealous over! I did some improv back in high school for fun–its way harder than it looks to keep the laughs rolling while quickly making it up on the spot, Dame Edna makes it appear effortless.
I have a feeling this isn’t Edna’s final swan song (think Cher‘s Burlesque anthem “You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me”), however as for her time in the city of Angels–there are only SEVEN performances left (including a matinee today–March 9th), so there’s zero time to think twice–you can’t miss out on seeing a truly beloved character shine on stage–Edna will even buy you a drink … seriously!
Especially when you consider Mr. Humphries has been breathing life into Edna for six decades now in addition to many other credits besides Edna. I particularly enjoyed the second act which involves Edna bringing some unsuspecting souls up on stage for a bit of good, old-fashioned embarrassment letting hilarity ensue … especially when Edna starts dialing the phone on stage and ropes people into the fun who aren’t even at the show!
I’ve now been blessed to have seen Dame Edna twice live on stage–the first time was six years ago (also at the Ahmanson) in the summer of 2009–during her My First Last Tour–I will forever consider myself one of the Dame’s devoted fans which she affectionately refers to as her possums.
There are still tickets left for her final seven performances (where really anything can happen, Edna will keep you on your toes) available on the Center Theatre Group‘s website where you can pick your seats or call the box office at 213.972.4400.
Finally, I will leave you with a bit of friendly and sage advice … if you find yourself in the audience make sure you pay super close attention when in the glowing presence of Dame Edna–she sees everything and will call you out without a hint of hesitation if she suspects you’re doing anything at all other than paying her your undivided and much deserved attention … with that said–consider yourself warned! After Edna says goodbye to Los Angeles (with her final performance taking place on Sunday, March 15th), she will be making quick stops in San Francisco (3/17-3/22), Palm Desert (3/30-4/4), Toronto (4/9-4/19), and Washington DC (4/20-4/26) before heading back to her homeland. Visit Dame Edna on Facebook and Twitter for more information.
“It’s the end of an era,” cries the London Daily Telegraph, but Barry Humphries and his most famous creation Dame Edna Everage aren’t going out with a whimper. They’re going out with a rapid-fire explosion of convulsive laughter and cheers! On the pink and purple high heels of the pair’s 2009 triumphant Ahmanson engagement and celebratory, sold-out seasons across the UK and Broadway, Australia’s greatest entertainment export returns for more take-no-prisoners comedy and hijinks, and no one in the audience is safe from the Dame’s wicked tongue. You dare not miss the spectacular side-splitting historic finale of Barry Humphries and global gigastar, Dame Edna Everage celebrating a 50-year career of sold-out venues, command performances for the Royal Family, television specials and around-the-world tours.
PHOTOS | MATT JELONEK & ALASTAIR MUIR FOR CTGLA