For the past three years I’ve endeavoured to program a cabaret, burlesque or magic show, or a combination of all three, as a mid-year season show. The popularity for this style of production has is gaining momentum and patrons seem to enjoy the novelty of a cabaret setting in the grand old Convention Centre. The bonus is that you can come on your own or in a group as there are round tables of 10, the Oxley Room Bar is open throughout the show and patrons are invited to bring a picnic supper to share with friends. Over the years we have had patrons dress the part in top-hats, feather boas, fishnet stockings and lots of sequins. It’s also popular for social groups or a Hen’s Night Out.
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This year is a little different, as we have programmed Exposing Édith on Saturday 26 May in an intimate cabaret setting in the Convention Centre. Despite the show title, it is by no means a burlesque show, you’ll be disappointed if you think it is. As our 2018 Season theme suggests ‘Your Journey Starts Here’ so we are going to take you back to Paris in the 1930s – the Golden Era of women’s fashion, sophistication and… er … je ne sais pas, pure chicness.
Édith Piaf was a French singer, songwriter, cabaret performer and film actress noted as France’s national chanteuse and one of the country’s widely known international stars.
Michaela Burger, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Édith Piaf provides vocals and Greg Wain, who has been mistaken for Jamie Hyneman from the television show Myth Busters, is on guitar.
The show, created by Michaela and Greg, is a stunning mix of authentic French ballads and contemporary sounds. Cleverly threaded throughout the 75 minute show (no interval), is the extraordinary stories of Piaf’s life recounted by Berger, through various characters such as Édith’s half-sister Momone, some of her lovers and Édith herself. You will be treated to exquisite vocals, music, comedy, passion, tragedy and the chance to engage with the performers.
As Michaela and Greg are in Dubbo for two days I asked them if they would mind if I took them to a local aged care facility to perform a few of their well-known songs such as Non, je ne regrette rien and La Vie En Rose for the staff and residents. They were genuinely happy to do this and thought it was a great idea.
Did you know that Édith’s nickname was La Môme Piaf meaning The Little Sparrow? An endearing term given to her due to her nervous energy and small stature.
So grab a group of vos amis and join us on a journey to Paris on Saturday, May 26 at 8pm!