QCF Guide 2016

3–12 JUNE 2016

QUEENSLANDCABARETFESTIVAL.COM.AU

Queensland Cabaret Festival returns with a soulful, scintillating and scandalous program welcoming artists from all corners of the globe, as well as some of our best home-grown talents. Expect an eclectic mix of touching songs, playful parodies, heartfelt storytelling and outrageous comedy.

From Broadway stars to silver screen icons, this year’s festival shines a spotlight on the best cabaret has to offer. Centerstage this year will be Broadway sensation Megan Hilty, actor and comedian Harry Shearer (The Simpsons, Spinal Tap) with singer/ songwriter Judith Owen, cult movie icon Molly Ringwald, and Grammy award winning vocalist Lisa Fischer, as well as an unforgettable line-up of virtuosic singers, comic characters and world-class musicians.

Whether you want an evening soaked in nostalgia or a contemporary romp of music re-imagined, this year’s Festival will connect with your musical soul and leave you singing out for more.

Alison St Ledger Co-Festival Director

Megan Hilty in Concert “A wicked good performance… we’ll let her be our star anytime” Broadway World

Thursday 9 June, 7.30pm Concert Hall, QPAC Duration 90 minutes Tickets $68 - $104 + $6.95 transaction fee Presented by QPAC Book qpac.com.au or call 136 246

Megan Hilty is best known for starring roles in the hit television series SMASH, and the Broadway musicals Wicked and 9 to 5: The Musical.

Called a ‘burgeoning blonde bombshell’

by The Daily Beast, Hilty’s sensational voice and star power are the perfect vehicle for a trip through the American Songbook, featuring songs like They Just Keep Moving the Line (Smash), Almost Like Being In Love/This Can’t Be Love, The Man That Got Away, Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend, Heart of the Matter, Autumn Leaves/When October Goes, Someone to Watch Over Me, Get Happy and The Rainbow Connection.

For her debut Australian tour, Megan will be accompanied by a four-piece band including her musical director and pianist Matt Cusson and husband Brian Gallagher on guitar.

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“…a baffling range of talents and influences from Nixon to Mr Burns and with a lot of music in between.”

Evoke.ie

This Infernal Racket Harry Shearer and Judith Owen Sunday 12 June, 6.30pm Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse Duration 90 minutes Tickets $79 + transaction fee ($3 single/$6 multiple tickets) Presented Brisbane Powerhouse in association with Adelaide Cabaret Festival Book brisbanepowerhouse.org or call 07 3358 8600

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Witness comedy-mastermind Harry Shearer (The Simpsons, Spinal Tap) and acclaimed singer-songwriter Judith Owen as they tackle life and all its distractions head-on in this special performance.

In This Infernal Racket, the real-life couple deal with the subjects of fame, celebrity, politics, religion and relationships the only way they know how!

Soulful Welsh singer Owen found emotionally confessional songwriting and a good sense of humour to be the sure way of escaping the voices of anxiety in her head. Comedy writer-actor Shearer was drawn to creating satirical music to make sense of the manic and maniacal voices of a politics and media world racing to a bottom that seemed bottomless.

There will be there laughter, music, compassion and cruelty, and by the end of the night Owen and Shearer’s opposite approaches will help you make perfect sense of the world around us.

An Evening with Molly Ringwald “... the ultimate nostalgic trip” The Guardian

Friday 3 June, 7.30pm Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse Tickets $79 + transaction fee ($3 single/$6 multiple tickets) Book brisbanepowerhouse.org or call 07 3358 8600 Saturday 4 June, 7.30pm Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns Tickets $79 + transaction fee Book tanksartscentre.com or call 1300 855 835 Duration 90 minutes Presented by Brisbane Powerhouse and Tanks Arts Centre

Molly Ringwald is known for cult classics like The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles and Pretty in Pink, but you’ll soon love her for her sultry jazz tones and stunning stage presence.

In An evening with Molly Ringwald, the star pushes aside her pop culture status and takes centre stage to perform classics from the Great American Songbook along with some unexpected musical favourites.

Part nostalgic trip, part homage to classic cabaret, this sassy performance is accompanied by her jazz trio and features interpretations of I’ll Take Romance, The Very Thought of You and Don’t You Forget About Me.

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“... superlative arrangements majoring in opulent blues, jazz noir settings - refresh songs as daunting as It’s Alright Ma (I’m Only Bleeding) and First We Take Manhattan. To give such standards precious new life is quite an achievement.”

Sunday Times

HARD RAIN The songs of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen The UK’s finest interpreter of song, Barb Jungr returns to the songs of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen with her album Hard Rain.

Friday 3 June, 7.00pm Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse Duration 60 minutes Tickets $48 + transaction fee ($3 single/$6 multiple tickets) Brisbane Powerhouse & Gaynor Crawford Presents Book brisbanepowerhouse.org or call 07 3358 8600 6

Experience Jungr’s insightful and intelligent interpretations of well-loved songs combined with her powerful and often witty performance style.

Often referred to as ‘the politicised chansonnier’ and cited as one of the world’s best performers of Dylan’s material, Barb turns to six of his most politically hard-hitting songs along with five of Leonard Cohen’s most impassioned songs of conscience. Barb’s selection for Hard Rain reflects her personal despair with the political times that we live in and she has deliberately chosen songs that resonate as strongly today as they did when they were originally written.

You’ve heard her voice.

She’s performed with Luther Vandross and Tina Turner, toured with The Rolling Stones and sung with Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and Nine Inch Nails.

But at QPAC in June, Lisa Fischer takes centre stage.

Join Ms. Lisa Fisher and her co-conspirators Grand Baton as they revisit the iconic songs etched into her heart including tunes like Wild Horses, It’s Only Rock and Roll, Fever, and her Grammy-winning original How Can I Ease the Pain.

“The single best show I’ve seen in the many years I’ve visited Birdland” The New York Times

Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton Friday 10 June, 8pm Concert Hall, QPAC Duration 90 minutes Tickets $39 - $75 + $6.95 transaction fee Presented by QPAC Book qpac.com.au or call 136 246 Photo credit: Djeneba Aduayom

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The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars

I See Me & Meryl Streep

Saturday 4 June, 7.30pm Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse Duration 90 minutes Tickets $45* Presented by Brisbane Powerhouse & Electric Moon Book brisbanepowerhouse.org or call 07 3358 8600

Saturday 4 June, 7.00pm Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse Duration 60 minutes Tickets $35* Presented by Brisbane Powerhouse & Alexandra Keddie Book brisbanepowerhouse.org or call 07 3358 8600

The smash hit of the 2016 MELT Festival returns for the Queensland Cabaret Festival.

I See Me & Meryl Streep charts the extraordinary life and talents of the most celebrated actress of modern times.

Directed by James Lees, eight of Brisbane’s finest vocalists and a mighty 12-piece supergroup perform David Bowie’s masterpiece album in its entirety as well as Bowie material from this, and other, eras of his astounding career on Earth as an artist and musician.

With some new ideas, songs and reimagining, this iteration of the show will delve a little deeper into some of Bowie’s darker and more theatrical works — all still with the emotional intensity and beating rock and roll heart of the ZIGGY phenomenon at its core.

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* + transaction fee ($3 single/$6 multiple tickets)

Audiences will be presented with a whirlwind tour of Streep’s most famous roles, accents, acceptance speeches and songs from the poster-filled bedroom of Meryl’s greatest fan, a 17-year-old girl with the dream of being a ‘somebody’.

Featuring music from ABBA, Sondheim, Ray Charles and more ABBA, I See Me & Meryl Streep is a nostalgic exploration of some of cinema’s most loved and memorable characters. Through sequins and hilarity, Alexandra Keddie reminds us all what it feels like to have stars in our eyes and the world at our feet.

I Get the Music In You An evening with Jan van de Stool

Broadway Hootenanny starring Mark Nadler

Sunday 5 June, 6pm Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse Duration 70 minutes Tickets $49* Presented by Brisbane Powerhouse & Queensland Cabaret Foundation Book brisbanepowerhouse.org or call 07 3358 8600

Tuesday 7 June, 7.00pm Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse Duration 100 minutes Tickets $59* Presented by Brisbane Powerhouse & Theatremakers Book brisbanepowerhouse.org or call 07 3358 8600

Hot on the heels of her recent appearances in Women in Voice and Australia’s Got Talent, musical comedy star, Queenie van de Zandt, brings her cult-character, Jan van de Stool back to Brisbane in this multi-award nominated satirical swipe at self-help.

Broadway Hootenanny began as a mad-cap weekly variety show at the New York City landmark theatrical restaurant, Sardi’s.

In I Get the Music In You an evening with Jan van de Stool, Jan flogs her courses, books and BBQ aprons with hilarious monotony, takes interpretive dancing to new heights, and finishes with a ‘colonic irrigation of the spirit’. Jan’s grip on the English language constantly comes unstuck, as does the evening, when one of her student’s extraordinary singing talent undoes Jan and makes for an ending that leaves the audience screaming for more.

A favourite event around the world, including a staple performance at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Theatremakers is proud to host Mark’s Brisbane debut.

Anything can happen at the Hootenanny, and it usually does. This is a show that is completely created according to the local guest stars the producer provides — always a one-of-a-kind event that is unique to that particular venue and the people who perform there. Throughout it all, Mark Nadler entertains in his inimitable fashion: singing, playing piano and tap dancing as well as keeping the audience in stitches with outrageous comedy.

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Carol Lloyd reveals The Rat Pack’s scandalous underbelly, full of booze, broads and bad behavior. She is Carl Loud, the Aussie crooner from Carina — a ranga along for the ride who could have made it — if they’d let him!

Fly Me to the Moon Saturday 11 June, 5.00pm & 7.00pm Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse Duration 60 minutes Tickets $55 (f), $42 (c), $45 (groups 6+) + transaction fee ($3 single/$6 multiple tickets) Presented by Brisbane Powerhouse & Troy Armstrong Management Book brisbanepowerhouse.org or call 07 3358 8600

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Carl became The Rat Pack’s driver, drink-waiter and doorman, rescuing starlets with tainted dreams and broken bra straps.

The parties raged from Las Vegas to Lake Tahoe, and Carl mixed with Presidents, Movie Stars and the Mafia. Now he’s blabbing all the Rat Pack’s hilarious secrets, singing their hits and shooting for the Moon with big neon stars in his eyes!

“The incredible blues voice of the 70s” Noise 11

Photo credit: Ali Choudhry

Friday 10 June, 7.30pm & Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse Duration 60 minutes Tickets $49 (f), $44 (c)* + transaction fee ($3 single/$6 multiple tickets)* Presented by Brisbane Powerhouse Book brisbanepowerhouse.org or call 07 3358 8600

“The five-piece band was energetic, funny, pitch-perfect and undeniably dedicated to this particular ear in Rock ‘n’ Roll” AAA Backstage

Revel in the roots of rock’n’roll as musical history comes to life in this tribute to the Memphis greats.

Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Rufus Thomas Jnr, Howlin’ Wolf and many more all had one thing in common — they all launched their careers at the famous Sun Records in Memphis.

This critically acclaimed production pays tribute to the incredible roster of artists.

Join us for a passionate and musically spectacular cabaret show that has sold out theatres around Australia.

Sun Rising The Songs That Made Memphis

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Songbird Songs of Eva Cassidy

Livespark

Friday 10 June, 7.00pm Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse Duration 60 minutes Tickets $40 + transaction fee ($3 single/$6 multiple tickets) Presented by Brisbane Powerhouse Book brisbanepowerhouse.org or call 07 3358 8600

Sunday 5 & 12 June, 3.30pm Turbine Platform, Brisbane Powerhouse Duration 90 minutes FREE Presented by Brisbane Powerhouse

Songbird brings to life the story of a performer who has touched the lives of millions of people around the world.

A voice so beautiful, her unique arrangements of beloved classics would become a global phenomenon.

Spend the afternoon with a mix of witty tunes, toe-tapping jazz and tongue-incheek burlesque with Amy Michaels.

Amy’s powerhouse voice and quirky lyrics will make audiences giggle and swoon.

Melbourne singer and harpist Alana Conway showcases a collection of Eva’s stunning arrangements including Over the Rainbow, Fields of Gold and Autumn Leaves, but also the story and inspiration behind the artist.

Then return the following Sunday for the outrageous glam ensemble, Bertie Paige Clinic Glam Cabaret Soiree, a naughty love child of classic rock and grand theatre tradition.

Performing favourites from across all ten albums, Conway tracks Cassidy’s ups and downs from the perspective of an avid fan in a night of storytelling and heartstopping eloquent melodies.

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Brisbane Powerhouse’s weekly free live music event features two amazing local cabaret stars in June, with Amy Michaels and the Bertie Paige Clinic Glam Cabaret Soiree.

Grab a drink, grab a seat and spend the afternoon in Powerhouse’s free and fabulous live music lounge.

Photo credit: Raw Bones Photography

Sunday 5 June, 6.30pm Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse Duration 60 minutes Tickets $38 + transaction fee ($3 single/$6 multiple tickets) Presented by Brisbane Powerhouse & Michael Griffiths Book brisbanepowerhouse.org or call 07 3358 8600

Hedonism, grave misfortune, enduring love and a legacy that sparkles with wit and wisdom, Griffiths takes audiences on a timeless musical journey. Performing classic Porter tunes, including You’re The Top, It’s De-Lovely, Let’s Do It and Night and Day, Griffiths is considered one of the best Cole Porter interpreters and is not to be missed. Written by bestselling author Anna Goldsworthy (Piano Lessons) and winner Best Cabaret Adelaide Fringe Weekly Award.

Internationally acclaimed cabaret performer Michael Griffiths explores the colourful life and timeless songs of Cole Porter.

Michael Griffiths Cole

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DOUBLE BILL

Tyrone & Lesley in a Spot

Warmwaters

Sunday 12 June, 5.00pm Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse Duration 60 minutes Tickets $25* / Double bill ticket with Warmwaters $45* Presented by Brisbane Powerhouse & Metro Arts. Produced by Metro Arts.

Book brisbanepowerhouse.org or call 07 3358 8600

Sunday 12 June, 7.00pm Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse Duration 60 minutes Tickets $25* / Double bill ticket with Tyrone & Lesley in a Spot $45* Presented by Brisbane Powerhouse & debase productions Book brisbanepowerhouse.org or call 07 3358 8600

For one night only the inimitable Tyrone and Lesley entwine their beautiful, funny music with moving images of skies, suns and moons, clarity and clouds, flickering bulbs and high windows.

If you love folk music, you will love this show. If you hate folk music, you’ll love it even more. Everyone enjoys good roots, and Warmwaters stand ready to folk you right up with their songs of romance and other issues. They’ve got a lot of issues.

A ukulele-led dance of screen and song where there are no wallflowers, Tyrone & Lesley in a Spot will transport you all the way to exactly where you are. It’s funny ha ha, funny weird and a little bit funny valentine. It’s Tyrone. It’s Lesley. It’s their high spots in bright lights. Charming, poetic, absurd and unique, you have never seen anything like this.

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Photo credit: Dylan Evans

Lena and Luke Warmwater have been described as “...the southern hemisphere’s most inspirational nu-folk duo.” Never heard of them? What is going on in your life? * + transaction fee ($3 single/$6 multiple tickets)

Venue and booking information Brisbane Powerhouse

QPAC

Tanks Art Centre

119 Lamington St, New Farm QLD 4005 07 3358 8600 brisbanepowerhouse.org Box Office Hours: Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 12–4pm, 90 min prior to performance.

Cnr Grey & Melbourne Streets, South Bank Qld 4101 136 346 qpac.com.au Box Office Hours: Mon–Sat 9am–8.30pm, one hour prior to each performance.

46 Collins Avenue, Edge Hill, Cairns 1300 855 835 www.ticketlink.com.au Box Office Hours: Mon–Fri 8am–5pm at Council’s Customer Service Centre 119-145 Spence Street, Cairns. Sat 8.30am-1pm at the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre, 64 Collins Avenue, Edge Hill

Brisbane Powerhouse is a centre of contemporary culture and presents over 1,000 events a year, including theatre, music, comedy, dance, film, visual arts, festivals and ideas, offering Brisbane a chance to experience something different any day of the week. Brisbane Powerhouse is Brisbane City Council’s leading arts performance venue and features a variety of spaces and theatres that house everything from festivals to intimate weddings.

* Correct at time of printing.

Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) is one of Australia’s leading centres for live performance. For over 30 years QPAC has been collaborating with and hosting leading international and Australian actors, dancers, musicians, artists and companies. Since opening in 1985, QPAC has welcomed more than 20 million visitors to a wide variety of performances including dance, musicals, theatre, opera, comedy and contemporary and classical music concerts.

Tanks Arts Centre is one of the most highly distinctive and dynamic performance spaces in the country. Housed in three converted WW2 naval oil storage tanks, and set amidst a lush rainforest backdrop in Tropical North Queensland, this iconic contemporary arts centre has long presented a strong, award-winning music program, offering the best of Australian and international artists working across the full gamut of genres, from jazz to hip-hop.

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Festival schedule

Concert Hall, QPAC

Friday June 3

Saturday June 4

Evening Show

Powerhouse Theatre, Evening Show Brisbane Powerhouse

7.30pm 7.30pm An Evening The Rise and with Molly Fall of Ziggy

Ringwald Stardust and

(p5) the Spiders from Mars (p8)

Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse

Matinee

Evening Show 7.00pm

HARD RAIN

The songs

of Bob Dylan

and Leonard Cohen (p6)

7.00pm I See Me & Meryl Streep (p8)

Turbine Platform, Brisbane Powerhouse

Tanks Art Centre, 7.30pm Cairns An Evening with Molly

Ringwald (p5) 16

Sunday June 5

Tuesday June 7

Thursday June 9

7.30pm

Megan Hilty in Concert (p3)

Friday June 10

Saturday June 11

Sunday June 12

8.00pm Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton (p7)

6.00pm 7.30pm 6.30pm I Get the Sun Rising This Infernal Music In You The Songs Racket (p9) That Made Harry Shearer

Memphis (p11) and Judith Owen (p4)

5.00pm Fly Me to the Moon

5.00pm Tyrone & Lesley in a Spot (p14)

6.30pm Michael Griffiths – Cole

7.00pm Warmwaters

(p10)

(p13)

7.00pm Broadway Hootenanny starring Mark Nadler (p9)

7.00pm Songbird – Songs of Eva Cassidy

7.00pm Fly Me to the Moon

(p14)

(p10)

(p5)

3.30pm 3.30pm Livespark Livespark featuring featuring Amy Michaels Bertie Page (p12) Clinic (p12)

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3–12 JUNE 2016

QUEENSLANDCABARETFESTIVAL.COM.AU #qldcabaret @queenslandcabaretfestival

Cover Photography: Dylan Evans