By Heather-Jean Moyes
Opening night at the Backstage Club created a great vibe and set the tone of the festival as accessible and very hipster, showcasing a random mix of surprising and classic performances. Well laid out, the cabaret seating allowed those down the front to get up close and personal and the designers provided enough space for the audience’s inclination for dancing. The atmosphere was welcoming. Even casual wandering through the room, drink in hand led to an invitation to dance with Michael Falzon for one lucky lady.
The night was hosted by chanteuse and New York icon Joey Arias. An original drag act like no other; his muscular momentarily challenging and unadorned act expresses the person with a lot less artifice that you might imagine, a great sense of humour and a unique voice in a professional watchable package.
The acts on the night included: the formidable songstress Ali McGregor blurring the genres of satire and song, the smooth voice and even smoother sleight of hand (and body) of Jack London of Boylesque dance fame, and then there was Jamie Crews Jewell as the classically risqué Candy Chambers punching out glittering numbers in equally glittering garments.
Kate Ceberano shone with a soulful rendition of ‘Cry Me a River’. Overcoming the glass tinkles and low volume chat that the cabaret atmosphere encourages, her voice cut through. Others to shine were Daren Percival, his The Voice fame well deserved, who got audiences “happening” with an audience participation rendition of ‘Hit the Road Jack’, the slick Michael Falzon who crooned, danced and romanced the audience and Matt Gilbertson who appeared in the guise of Hans, a fun curious mix of comedy and dance, pink feathers and Gangnam Style take offs. He rocked.
The program changes every night, the hosts rotate and the venue provides an excellent glimpse of what ‘s on offer during the festival. The opening night hosted by Joey Arias went off well. Drop in – it’s worth it. In fact it could be a regular watering hole – a place to “hang” after your show of choice.
The dates and host line up is as follows:
12-13 June: Jim Meskimen
19-20 June: The Leading Ladies of Cabaret
21 June: KC Superstar
22 June: Matt Gilbertson
Suitable 16 years +
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