Conceived of Toronto-based performers/musicians Barbara Johnston and Suzy Wilde, who star in the group alongside Anika Johnson, Jaz Fairy-J and Cat Merriam, Wannabe has been thrilling audiences and blowing the roof off of concert venues across North America for the past ten years.
Everyone I spoke with about Wannabe leading up to the night had nothing but good things to say about their live performances, so I was thrilled and anticipating an incredibly authentic time out for the ten-year anniversary event on April 1, 2022. The theme was the 90s, and many attendees of all ages dressed as their favourite Spice Girl or an adaptation of one of the ladies; it was a really fun atmosphere.
Dancingphil hosted the event and got the party started with some nostalgic pop classics along with some spicy ones too that hyped the crowd. Let's be honest: you know it's going to be a wicked night when everyone in the club begins singing along to a Ru-Paul song, and that is exactly what happened. Dancingphil unquestionably set the tone for a spectacular night, so when the lovely ladies of Wannabe took the stage at 8:30pm, the crowd erupted in wild, ear-piercing cheers.
The band started playing in the back, and the girls blasted out hit after hit to an audience who screamed out the lyrics and danced along with them. I couldn't believe what I was seeing and hearing; they LOOKED and SOUNDED EXACTLY LIKE THE SPICE GIRLS. Everyone in The Opera House felt as though they had been transported back to the 90s to see the original girls, it was insane. Wannabe had the accents on point, the personalities, the outfits and the dancing! These women had everything down to a perfect art, even their unique body language was studied like a science. During several songs, I saw fans around me swoon, fanboy, and even cry. I've never heard a tribute band perform and sound so authentically!
In conclusion, at the end of the night, I wasn't dissatisfied in the slightest; in fact, I didn't want it to end! This was without a doubt one of the most enjoyable shows I've ever seen, and I wholeheartedly recommend purchasing tickets to a future Wannabe show in your area. I will absolutely see them again. You can keep up with all of their public events by following their social media accounts, which are listed below. Facebook, Instagram, Website
VIEW THE FULL PHOTO GALLERY HERE! Or watch raw and unenhanced video clips from the show.
