A chair, a spotlight and intimate glamour - Sydney Cabaret Convention 2003

SYDNEY MORNING HERALD ON LINE

By Lenny Ann Low 

May 27, 2003 

Last year, cabaret fans discovered the razzle-dazzle of the Sydney Cabaret Convention via a side door next to the tradesman's entrance. Once inside Sydney Town Hall, they watched nearly 50 cabaret contestants over a week-long program and there wasn't a martini in sight. 

According to this year's inaugural artistic director, Ron Creager, quality was in abundance but the event was more "eisteddfod" than intimate. "The convention has always been done by a committee from the City of Sydney," he said. "Done very well, but they're always stressed and have about 25 events that they're planning."

Creager's vision for the seventh convention, which runs from tonight until Saturday, is a combination of purism and chic. Only 12 finalists are competing in the convention's nightly showcase and the venue, now called City Cabaret Club, features raised seating, a lowered stage and seats for 280 rather than 900. 

Toni Lamond

"It's stripped to just a stage, a light, a stool, a piano and a song," said Creager, who was previously the convention's musical director. "They told me to just dream so now there's glamour from the moment you enter."

The showcase will also feature a host, Gary Scale, and compere, Chelsea Plumley, who will also perform. 

"Gary is the figurehead of the club, which leaves Chelsea to be the star of the room. She doesn't have to deal with anything ugly or untoward like explaining where the toilets are."

Nearly 100 performers auditioned for the showcase, vying for the chance to win prestigious awards allowing them to appear at or attend the New York Cabaret Convention. 

"Three finalists will compete each night and, after interval, three professionals will show them how it's done," said Creager.

Gery Scott

The inaugural Open Mic Bar invites members of the public to try their luck after 9pm. Creager is also keen to highlight Australian cabaret talent rather than imported stars. Local legends, established performers and rising stars such as Eddie Perfect, Phil Scott, Lorrae Desmond, Nancye Hayes, Gery Scott, Toni Lamond and Stuart Wagstaff will appear.

"Oh, absolute legends," Creager says. "Gery is probably the closest we've got to the source of what original cabaret was like when it all started. 

"And that's why I've put Toni, Lorrae and Stuart on the second night together. They won't admit to how much each one's contributing but, between them, they have over 160 years of show business."

www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/cabaret/ 

Article first published in The Sydney Morning Herald, May 27 2003

Broadway delights for lovers of musical theatre

Sensationally Sondheim

Devised by Tony Magee and Cate Clelland

Directed and designed by Cate Clelland

Musical direction by Tony Magee

Choreography by Sherriden McDonald

Canberra Southern Cross Club

May 2 - 18, 2003

by W. L. Hoffmann

Photo: Rex Features / thereviewshub.com

THIS is an excellently collated and entertainingly presented tribute to lyricist and composer Stephen Sondheim, one of the most significant figures of the Broadway musical stage over the last four decades of the 20th century.

The musical interest is broad, not only encompassing Sondheim’s better-known shows and some of his best-loved songs but also including musical material drawn from some of his earlier musicals which are not so well remembered.

With an assembled cast of 15 of Canberra’s finest musical theatre performers it is very much an ensemble production. Therefore it is sufficient to say that it is a well balanced cast who maintain an easy flowing presentation in which the varied vocal resources are effectively utilised in solos, duets and group numbers.

The printed program consists only of an alphabetical list of performers with a similar list of the Sondheim shows from which the musical numbers are drawn.

But there is no listing of the songs or who sings them. Thus there is surprise for the audience as the familiar is mixed with the unfamiliar. And I do not intend to spoil that surprise my mentioning any of the songs, nor who performs them. Every member of the audience will have their own special highlights. Suffice to say then that this is a presentation which offers continuing delights for lovers of musical theatre and in particular for those who admire Sondheim.

A small instrumental ensemble led by Tony Magee from the piano, supports the singers, and the total presentation displays an impressive assurance with singing that is powerfully projected when necessary while also being warmly expressive in the more lyrical numbers.

Having greatly enjoyed the show myself, my advice is simple - don’t miss it!

Originally published in The Canberra Times, May 6, 2003