Cleopatra Higgins gives a fierce performance in The Whitney Houston Story, along with her band, Higgins sings Whitney Houston’s most recognisable hits while exploring Whitney Houston’s life.
Higgins is truly exuberant and her band keep up fabulously
Higgins has a stellar voice that could compete with any vocal diva of this era, her voice reminds me a little of the likes of Macy Gray as she has this throaty, soulful almost nasally tone, it’s so unique.
The show is more of an appreciation for Whitney Houston and her music rather than a tribute act, as Higgins doesn’t try to emulate Whitney’s voice too much.
I Have Nothing is a Whitney hit that is notorious for being butchered by many vocalists due to difficult runs, high notes and breath control. This was the song I was concerned about, however Higgins passed with flying colours using her unique tone and hitting each note and run with ease.
Higgins and her band perform other hits such as So Emotional and I Wanna Dance With Somebody (while performing this song in particular Higgins encouraged the audience to get up and dance and no surprises, every single person got up – it felt like I was at a gospel church). Higgins really commanded the stage as the crowd’s energy never dropped.
Queen Of The Night was my favourite rendition of the night the band added this funk style to the beat which made it hard for me not to get up and start dancing.
The final song being arguably Whitney Houston’s most famous song I Will Always Love You it was simply angelic resulting in a well deserved standing ovation at the end of the show.
Higgins is truly exuberant and her band keep up fabulously, with her voice being supported by a groovy bass, lightning electric guitar, poppy keyboard and lovely backing vocals. As much as I enjoyed the music I didn’t really learn anything new about Whitney Houston, but if you're a fan, this show is worth a watch.
