| HOME
> CENTRAL TAIWAN > TAICHUNG
> ARTICLES >
COMPASS
MAGAZINE, August 2000. VOL. 7 ISSUE 8
Up Close:
 |
Shannon
By C.Donovan Smith
|
When the woman who, only minutes before, was brandishing a huge dildo
and cracking a whip tells me that she has 'performed for children
all over Canada and America'; should I have been alarmed?
When the performer in question is Shannon McNab, of course not. Shannon
is a professional entertainer. With a background that includes a successful
'Commitments' style band in her native Vancouver, schooling and performing
in Manhattan and performances all over North America - there is no
question that Shannon has what it takes. Those who saw her perform
at the American Chamber of Commerce 4th of July celebration know her
wide appeal and obvious singing talent.
Her vocal strengths are also on display on the CD 'Big Instruments
* Tremendous Sound'. With Stu Phillips-Laurie, Raven Breas and Sara
Jane Strutt filling out this local band, this collection of classics
adds something previously missing from our rock-dominated local music
scene. My personal favourites
| on this album include 'do right', 'lover man'
and the only original song on the album, 'fufu her chyo'. To
get a feel for these songs, think back to 40's movies with the
sultry singer on stage and the gruff male lead trying to pull
his jaw up off the table, with either soldiers or gangsters
in zoot suits. Other songs from different eras and musicals
include 'vincent', 'don't let the sun' and 'can't take that
away from me'. This CD is available around town, with Bhoom,
Taj Mahal, Salt & Pepper and PJ's certain to have copies.
|
 |
 |
To the late night scene Shannon is
best known for the S&M Cabaret, Shannon's exciting mix of
show tunes and racy skits. Attempting to describe this show,
adjectives seem to fail most people. 'It's amazing, I mean,
it's¡Kyou've just got to see it, it's great' being the
typical sort of description. By turns raunchy, sweet, hilarious,
romantic and dramatic - it completely captivates the audience
(see 'Into the Spirits' article in this issue). Shannon manages
in a matter of minutes to cover a range from sweet to naughty,
from glamorous to comedic and from the highest notes to the
lowest. |
Even more impressive, in spite of it's loose and impromptu appearance
- it is all tightly integrated, cleverly assembled and beautifully
timed. Although it is a cliche, it is no less true here - she makes
it look easy.
| Taichung has been blessed with the
talented performances of Miss McNab, but get ready to panic!
With a three month stint in London's West End coming up, we
may be facing a Shannon-less future. What London could possibly
offer that Taichung couldn't is beyond us here at the Compass,
but some folks seem to think that London has a slightly better
performing arts scene than we have here. If Shannon doesn't
return, that might be the case. |
 |
Be sure and check her out at the Bhoom first birthday party on August
26th at Bhoom, 244 Taichung Kang Rd. Sec. 1; Tel: 326-9429. You can
also follow her career at www.shadesofshannon.com.
|
