Performed by 18-year-old Kiah Spurle, accompanied by the Night Owl band, this 50-minute show rendition of Bob Dylan’s hits is fundamentally a hit in itself. Bob Dylan Under Cover provides an account of Dylan’s life, and how his experiences and surroundings at the time significantly impacted his music. The show didn’t feel too quick or too slow, consisting of alternations that set a brilliant pace and a perfect pastime for both older and newer fans of Dylan.
The lead singer of the performance began providing a brief history of Dylan’s humble beginnings as a singer-songwriter, where he was booed off stage at the age of 18, and how he changed his name from Robert Zimmerman to what we know him as now. Other contextual stories, narrated by Spurle, include tales of his many relationships, alongside Dylan’s connection with the Civil Rights Movement. One tale that connected with the audience the most, and got the most laughs out of the room, was Spurle’s mentioning of the friendship between Dylan and The Beatles – and in particular, how Dylan introduced marijuana to the group. This was immediately followed by the Fringe performers singing Dylan’s ‘Everybody Must Get Stoned’.
It would be a mistake not to highlight the talent of Spurle and the Night Owl band, as their chemistry radiated on stage, in terms of both the group as a whole, and the musical harmony. The band fundamentally felt like a copy-and-paste of the instrumentals in the background of Dylan’s songs, performing to the point of perfection, with audiences being able to see their passion for Dylan’s music while having fun.
When discussing the lead singer, I must mention that I held no expectations for this show before seeing it, other than the guess that it would be an older, male singer as the lead. However, once Spurle entered the stage area, I was positively surprised to see her – to which she mentions how the aim is to question how society would react if, instead of 18-year-old Bob Dylan in the 1960s, it was an 18-year-old girl singing these songs to a 21st century audience. Kiah Spurle had exceptional vocals and stage presence, having the audience in the palm of her hands as they applauded and wooed for her – and might I remind you again, she’s only 18 years old! Singing hits like ‘Blowing in the Wind’, ‘Rolling Stone’, and ‘Don’t Think Twice’, Spurle essentially exudes a 60s, folk vibe in her voice and how she holds herself confidently.
It was a privilege to witness such a professional stage performance by the Night Owl Shows of Dylan’s music. I mean, who wouldn’t want to take 50 minutes out of the Fringe commotion to listen to some Bob Dylan?
Bob Dylan Under Cover runs until 23 August at 1.40pm at The Space Triplex.
Buy tickets here.
Image by Dan Clews, provided to The Student as press.
