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Cabaret Festival Fri 9 to Sat 24 June I expect there's been media types sniffing around the Festival Centre for some weeks now, hoping to get some inside knowledge on what's in store for the Cabaret Festival, which begins in under two months. It used to be that in winter time Adelaide rolled up the carpets, the outdoor cafes closed their doors, and the good citizenry went into hibernation. These days, there's a buzzing vibe down at the Festival Centre which takes us through the worst of winter's early chills, as the Cabaret Festival has become an established part of the calendar. Anyway, back to the sneaking around: I was lucky enough to corner Marketing Director Alan Joyce for a few short minutes and grab a look at the programme for this years' festival, which has, by now, been launched. He talked, I paid no attention, so intent was I on reading through the closely packed 48 pages or so... here's my first impressions. Hmmm, okay, I was looking for a theme; an all encompassing idea which threaded through the 60 or 70 performances which make up the two weeks of the Cabaret Festival. It's fair to say I didn't find one, but there is a good whiff of Berlin-style political satire in the air, lead by the superb German singer Karen Kohler, whose show 'The Moons Of Venus' is a loving tribute to Marlene Dietrich. That's a pretty good start, I think you'll agree. For the follow-up punch, Kohler combines with fellow German artists Dirk Weiler for 'Noise & Smoke: The Hits Of Weimar Berlin', which promises a great deal for fans of that era of music-hall, with robust political insight and filthily suggestive lyrics. In terms of the filthy, my personal pick is 'Keating: The Country Soul Opera We Had To Have', which is to be a premiere performance of a new Australian work about one of our favourite ex-Prime Ministers. Should be fruity I think, especially with music supplied by the Drowsy Drivers, a band who are also to perform in the Cabaret Club in their late evenings guise. In fact, Alan Joyce is at pains to point out (not that I was listening, you understand) that the Kit-Kat Klub (for such has it been named) has undergone a bit of a rethink this time around. There's less of the 'marimba-ing' cover bands and more of the new cabaret and music on offer, including the return of the fabulous 'Music Trivia Quiz' from last year. I was in it: ergo it was fabulous. Also in performances at the club; The Satellites. Leigh Stardust and the always popular Melbourne combo Michaelangelo & The Black Sea Gentlemen, who will be performing an all new show based on their as-yet-unreleased album 'Dreams Of The Dispossessed'. I managed to note also (before the programme was snatched way from my grasp) that the Festival Theatre foyer will be host to an exhibition entitled 'Mo: A Snapshot' in tribute to the pioneering Australian comic genius Roy Rene, who was born late in the nineteenth century somewhere on Hindley St. Perhaps in my very office!! Wouldn't that be spooky? We've barely scratched the surface: returning for this year's festival is Michelle Van Hautem, doing two shows, one of which is her acclaimed 'Madame'. Toni Lamond combines with Tony Sheldon for a cabaret version of her life story; local performer Catherine Campbell brings us 'Secret Love', directed by the indefatiguable Frank Ford, who remains her most ardent admirer; UK drag artiste Christopher Green is Tina C in 'Manifesto', in which she brings an arch English eye to American culture, and doubles the dose as a country singer from the uniquely named town of Open Throat Holler, Tennessee. Big name tickets: Mandy Patinkin performs for one night only; Rick Price brings an engaging country tinged show to Adelaide for the first time on many moons; Camille is back and as sexy as ever with 'La Fille du Cirque'; Paul Kelly joins with Paul Grabowksi and the Australian Art Orchestra for the opening weekend concert 'Meet Me In The Middle Of The Air'; and Todd McKenney (yes, he's a judge from 'Dancing With The Stars' and the star of 'The Boy From Oz') brings 'Live' to the big stage, along with dancers and a ten piece band. But wait!!! There's much, much, much more... Kids Cabaret features a special performance entitled 'Valley Of The Dinosaurs' which looks to be a scream; Fruit return for encore performances; and Cherie Boogaart gets you warm with 'Songs To Make You Feel Sexy'. The full programme will be out by the time you read this - what are you waiting for?  Above: Camille The Cabaret Festival runs from Fri 9 to Sat 24 June, proudly supported by dB Magazine  |
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