Oh man!

Rhonda Burchmore admits it: she has men to thank for where she is today.

These people are not necessarily lovers -¦ but some of them may be boyfriends or leading men, and all of them shape what you see before you, so many years later, she says.

Burchmore is now making that admission public with her latest show Fever, something of a musical tribute to the men who have influenced her over the years.

The whole thing is based around songs that have had some kind of effect on me when I have met a certain person -“ a male -“ in my life, the former Mamma Mia! star says.

Audiences can expect highlights of Burchmore’s long career in showbiz (she first took to the stage at two before a professional debut at 19) as well as recollections on past romance.

But the Fever playlist is not above light self-parody. To Sir With Love is Burchmore’s reflection on a crush on her teacher at Beverly Hills Girls’ High while Midnight At The Oasis recalls a first kiss -“ in the sandhills at Kurnell.

It’s a comic romp through my life [as] I see it through men.

Collaborator Ray Alldridge has rearranged classics such as the title track and Dancing Queen for the show and is also backing up Burchmore with his Big Band.

I was looking at the brilliant Bette Midler the other night, who only had 12 musicians, and I’ve got 21 up there, Burchmore laughed.

The Burchmore wardrobe must also give Midler a run for her money. Among Fever‘s gowns are one bedecked with peacock feathers and another fashioned from 100m of shell-pink tulle -“ that’s the pink souffl?

Her penchant for delightfully over-the-top attire (I’m like one big six-foot Barbie, I think) no doubt explains Burchmore’s appeal to some in the gay community. But the singer says there’s more to it than that.

I think a lot of the gay audiences appreciate artists more, or they certainly show it more, Burchmore says.

My main mission when I sing a song is to move someone -¦ and I think a lot of the gay community is a little more sensitive to the songs.

So can we expect to see her at Mardi Gras any time soon?

I would adore it but I’ve never been asked, Burchmore says. If I was asked I’d be there in a heartbeat.

Fever is on at the Star City Showroom until Sunday. For bookings call 9266 4800 or visit www.ticketek.com.au