Finding your voice and your identity is just as important as finding your home.
In a Melbourne Fringe debut, produced by William Nguyen, and created and performed by Tony Tong, Gluttony by Night showcases a jaw-dropping and phenomenal tale about the birth, life and death of Tony’s drag persona – Honey Gluttony.
Vietnamese-Singaporean Tony Tong has always loved music, singing and performing. It is a deep rooted love that has stemmed from his childhood. Through song, lucky Melbourne audiences are taken on a journey through Honey Gluttony’s beginnings, her highs, her lows, her successes, and her challenges, but always with an unwavering love of living for your dreams, embracing your passions, nurturing your talents, and turning off the white noise.
The set is minimal at the Trades Hall, Meeting Room venue. We see a single microphone stand and a diva that demands your attention. Quickly, she claims the microphone, as if reuniting with an extension of herself. With her wig big and firm, and her outfit dazzling, it is Honey’s face that you cannot take your eyes off of. She’s just so captivating.
The way that Honey fills the room with her emotions and tales, it’s never forced. Instead, story time with Honey feels like a very therapeutic and welcoming experience. Honey addresses Melbourne patrons in a warm, friendly and open way that feels super familiar. It’s like having a deep and meaningful with an old friend. except it’s Honey’s turn to talk.
And then there’s Honey Gluttony’s voice. Seizing the moment, as if arresting time, Honey’s beautiful vocals had her Melbourne audience mesmerised and eating out of the palm of her hand (not literally) at every moment we shared the room. In the appropriately titled Meeting Room, this was a first time for many witnessing Honey Gluttony’s in her element.
If you’re a massive theatre fan, this show is for you because Honey is one too! With an ongoing theme of classic musicals, we hear songs such as Cher’s ‘Welcome to Burlesque’ from that guilty pleasure Christina Aguilera movie, the Liza Minnelli famed ‘Life Is A Cabaret’ from Cabaret, and even a unique and hilarious take on Olivia Newton John’s ‘Hopelessly Devoted To You’ from Grease.
However, my favourite number of Honey Gluttony’s show was the fierce and feisty rendition of ‘Be Italian’ from the rare musical, Nine. Honey aced the performance and made it her own (Fergie, eat your heart out). Although, if I had to choose one, the Vietnamese-Singaporean undisputedly shines the most during the Dreamgirls number ‘One Night Only’ – for various reasons.
Every moment with Honey Gluttony is special. The music loops together with Honey’s story so seamlessly, to the point where she had me hanging on the edge of my seat and not wanting the night to end. I wanted the show to be longer! More pop songs, duets, and just more time with Honey in general. Despite this, Gluttony by Night is a smart and faultless show filled with big ‘slaysian’ energy. You may not know Honey now, but you should.
And even more so, you need to meet the heart behind the sparking queen: the equally enthralling, entertaining and super talented, Tony Tong. Tony is brave, clever and has found his home not necessarily in his competitive community (where not everyone can sing), but in the vicinity of his beloved and supportive fiancé (who can sing), William. Together, I am certain the pair can really conquer anything. Honestly, bravo.
Gluttony by Night is a wonderous, life-affirming and vibrant tale on how you are not just one thing.
Gluttony by Night | A one-woman live-singing drag show is now playing in its Melbourne Fringe debut in the Meeting Room at Trades Hall until 20th of October.
For more information and ticketing, visit:
https://melbournefringe.com.au/event/gluttony-by-night-a-one-woman-live-singing-drag-show
https://www.instagram.com/honey.gluttony
https://www.youtube.com/@Honey.Gluttony
Photography supplied.