One of Ipswich’s talented performers is back in town this week to put on a star studded show in tribute of the iconic Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin at the Ipswich Civic Centre.
The stage show, R.E.S.P.E.C.T is a masterful piece of storytelling that journeys through the Diva’s life with the role of Aretha played by the ARIA chart topping artist and local icon of Ipswich, Angie Narayan.
Narayan, who grew up in central Ipswich, said her love of singing began from a young age in her local church.
“I started singing in church when I was nine, singing was always a part of my culture and a part of my church,” she said.
“We were a musical household, on a Sunday we would be in church in the morning, I would sing in the choir, then we’d have lunch at a family member’s house and after you’d be sitting with about 20 or 30 of us in the lounge room with a guitar, singing and that’s just what we did.”
Narayan remembers Aretha Franklin being a large part of her life when she was young growing up with her sister.
“We would get our hairbrushes and do choreography together,” she said.
“Back then we had a big record player so we’d listen to women like Aretha, Patti Labelle and Whitney Houston.”
Narayan takes the stage this Friday at the Ipswich Civic Centre as Aretha and said she has a few hidden surprises in store for the audience.
“Heading up to Christmas we’ve got a bit of a surprise for the show, for all the Christmas lovers,” she said.
“It’s an all-round show, we look at topics like the civil rights movement and racism and share with the audience her battle through life from way back in the 60s all the way through to the 80s and 90s.
“She overcame many hurdles and mountains, she made history and she paved the way for women in music today.
“It’s a big songbook, it’s engaging, eclectic and funny, it’s such a great package and we want the audience to walk away thinking “wow”.
“Ipswich can expect a lot of fun.”
Joining Angie Narayan on stage are accomplished vocalists and actors, Sean Ikin as Cecil Franklin, Shelley Davies as Erma Franklin, and Asabi Goodman as Carolyn Franklin, together with an energetic band.
The show is Friday 20 December at 7.30 pm at the Ipswich Civic Centre.
Tickets are now $42 each and can be booked here: https://www.ipswichciviccentre.com.au/event/r•e•s•p•e•c•t-angie-aretha
