Screamingly funny musical showcase

I shared a stage with Fabbri when we were at Clarendon Park Primary School in Port Elizabeth. Many years later, in Durban, I was blown away by his performance as drummer and singer with the Centrestage All-Star Band in the hit show, The Magnificent 7, which included a number that hinted at his comic talent.

A class of his own

Completely Nuts puts him in a class of his own. A glance at audience members in perpetual hysterics confirmed my opinion. He is one of the most original, versatile, multi-talented comedians around. The only time the audience regained any semblance of control was when Africa claimed the microphone to deliver some mesmerising vocal performances.

This is the first time that these Port Elizabeth-based entertainers are performing in the Mother City and, hopefully, it won't be the last.

Fabbri's Latin lover opening is followed by a song by Africa, after which her deceivingly quiet repartee gives no clue as to her talent for impersonation. She is brilliant as the African mama and inebriated coloured woman! Fabbri said: "Donna has grown with the (Nuts) show."

An up-tempo selection of songs

Comic interludes are interspersed with an up-tempo selection of songs that keep the audience involved and clapping, but there is limited opportunity to sing the right words. Many of the lyrics have been ingeniously changed for humourous effect.

Fabbri first appeared on stage in Std 1 (Grade 3) when producer and musical director Michiel de Beer gave him a small part in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. "What struck one at first glance with Gino was what the Germans call austrahlung - charisma and energy as well as intelligence and a tremendous sense of humour, even at a very young age (not minding to be a slave painted black with boot polish and waving a fan around Potiphar's wife on her barge!)," said De Beer.

Drumming talent revealed

Fabbri said that it was during Joseph that his potential drumming talent was revealed. "My mum, of course, jumped on that train and pulled down my grandfather's old drum kit. My dad strapped some real pigskin over the drums (why not just buy proper drum heads I say?) and off I went on my musical journey."

De Beer added: "Gino was always aware of others and showed a genuine interest in what they were doing; how they behaved - he was an excellent comic mime before he started singing.

"And, of course, he was an excellent musician (drummer, guitarist; whatever instrument he takes up, he'll be able to play well) so I knew he would be able to sing too. Sometimes teenagers need just the right amount of 'bullying' to give them the necessary confidence (or a good excuse) to try something new.

"I have lots of respect for his musicality; and for managing to forever be such a wonderful, nice guy!"

That's high praise from a tough taskmaster.

I hammed it up big time

Fabbri drummed with several bands in the 1990s, and performed a couple of songs up front, which caught the attention of Gary Hemmings and Lynette Collett from Centrestage Productions. "They asked me to do an Elvis/Tom Jones thing and I hammed it up big time!" he said.

Fabbri's passion is drumming (just see what he can do with a toaster), has always loved singing and dancing, and the comedy grew from there. "I filled in once in a comedy part when one of my mates was ill and I really nailed it! That was the first time I realised that I could make the stage work too, yet I didn't follow that up until much later."

Fabbri is not called "rubber-faced" for nothing. His accents, impersonations, lyrics and scripts are admirable. "I'm constantly working on it; there is always room to expand and learn. My wife, Philippa, has supported me forever. It's a tough deal with all the touring and I really need that support base. She provides a stable, solid home life and that keeps me sane(ish)!"

Tickets are R85 at Computicket, www.onbroadway.co.za or call +27 (0)21 424 1194.