Life is a cabaret, Adelaide!
By Julia George
Adelaide was treated to a special taste of the 2012 Adelaide Cabaret Festival, when it was launched last night in spectacular fashion at the Festival Theatre, to a full house of 1900. Hosted by artistic director Kate Cebrano, fans, media, and the like were treated to a first glimpse of the glamorous 2012 program that will see 110 international artists and 194 Australian artists (110 South Australian) take to the stage over 16 extravagant nights in June, opening on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.
Paying homage to the true essence of cabaret, Cebrano has created an exciting program for 2012. The program proudly boasts 12 international shows, many of which are exclusive to the Festival, along with eight world premiere shows, and also seven Australian premieres. In total there will be a vast 146 performances of some 49 electrifying shows. To view the whole program head to the Festival’s website as below is just a small selection of the breadth and vigour of the shows on offer.
Announced last night, international artists Lea Salonga, best known as the voice of Prince Jasmine in Aladdin and is also a Tony Award winner for her role in Miss Saigon; Lenny Henry, a UK all-rounder – actor, comedian, writer, TV presenter and radio host; and the legendary Broadway performer Ben Vereen. Other must-see acts include Aussie ex-pat Nadeah, best known globally for her performances with French supergroup Nouvelle Vague, and Kane Alexander, who was part of pop supertars group Il Divo. Of course, there will also be Adelaide’s night of nights, the Variety Gala Performance to open the Festival on Friday 8 June, where guests will walk to the red carpet and witness a selection of talented cabaret artists from this year’s program.
The world premiere of Love-Song-Circus sounds interesting. It’s a fusion of the sumptuous vocals and compositions of Katie Noonan with three female acrobatic aerialists from Australia’s internationally acclaimed contemporary circus Circa, joined on stage by the Tulipwood String Quartet. As does The Grand Illusionist by Australia’s Got Talent finalist Cosentino, he will be performing death defying stunts and incredible illusions in an Adelaide Cabaret Festival first. And Class of Cabaret is back with 30 students from 15 high schools across the state, who will take to the stage to share their stories through music in a Glee-esque fashion.
The Festival is not shy of great offers, under 30s can sign up to Adelaide Festival Centre’s youth arts membership program GreenRoom to access a range of special offers and everyone who signs up in April will receive a free mystery ticket to an Adelaide Cabaret Festival performance. Others can save by purchasing tickets to four or more shows at the ‘subscriber’ price.
June need not be a dull month with the excitement, glitz and glamour of the 2012 Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Do yourself a favour and check out the amazing program – there’s something in there for everybody!
Adelaide Cabaret Festival, presented by Adelaide Festival Centre, 8-23 June 2012
For the full program head to www.adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au
Book tickets at BASS.
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