Get it while you can Janis Joplin sings through the vessel that is Paul Capsis whose three-night season at the Town Hall Concert Chamber should really have the doors torn down by anyone looking for that very rare experience that is provided by the incredible Mr Capsis. He’s in Auckland New Zealand. And he loves us ! ‘ You’re so far ahead’ he drawls of New  Zealand, ‘So progressive’.

A reserved but thoroughly attentive crowd might have been forgiven for being left a little stunned by the charismatic Capsis as he covers repertoire and style that runs the gamut between Paul Kelly and Diamanda Galas. An invitation to break the rules ( ‘that’s what Cabaret is all about says Capsis) is tempting to accept, as in this case one gets the impression that audience participation would probably be more pleasurable than painful. 

Possessed by the successive spirits of Janis, Judy, Amy and Nina, Capsis is knee-wobblingly hilarious as each Diva seizes control: this isn’t drag or impersonation, it’s interpretation of the highest order. Self-deprecating humour interspersed with withering jokes at the expense of  Tony Abott keeps things down to earth. His wonderful vocal range is used rather than abused, the technique evident in such classics as Nancy Sinatra’s ode to spousal murder Bang Bang. Capsis’ has pipes.

A self-penned piece about an immigrant grandmother is a favourite, timeless and topical.  The vocal shift into the Amy Winehouse hit Back to Black is a shocking metamorphosis. It is as if a completely different person is singing.  Aesthetics aside Capsis is more Tina Turner. Where Winehouse seemed to do it ‘nice and easy’, Capsis does it ‘nice and rough’.

A medley that includes Sweet Dreams by The Eurythmics, People are Strange by The Doors, and linked gravelly death metal wail is reason #100 to see this show. Impressive stuff.

By the time Capsis manages a costume change while barely missing a beat at the microphone, I am already hoping the show will be longer than promised. Patti Smith’s Pissing in a River is soul punk revelation.

Go see this show Auckland. Get a bit pissed, sing along, yell out, applaud enthusiastically and maybe even dance. Just like the name of the closing song, Capsis will leave you Feeling Good.

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