When I think of cabaret, I picture a fun night out involving glitz, glamour and a good dose of naughtiness thrown in the mix. This is why the Auckland Live International Cabaret Season continues to be one of my absolute favourite events in town.
This year the Auckland Live International Cabaret Season is on from September 14 to October 1. Over these 18 dazzling nights, expect to see sensational cabaret featuring a slew of fabulous local and international divas and stars.
Getting top billing this season is Velvet. Featuring a disco soundtrack, Velvet is a rousing homage to the disco age. New York’s Studio 54 is no more but count on Velvet to transform Q Theatre into a place reminiscent of the infamous nightclub. Pretty much, the show sounds like the kind of party you want to be at because you are going to have a smashing good time.
At the Basement Theatre, the fabulous Miss Frisky returns with the world premiere of Miss Frisky’s Karaoke Experience. Two reasons why this show grabbed my attention: one, the vocal talents of Miss Frisky are well known and highly celebrated in the international cabaret scene, and two, the show has the word karaoke in it and as someone who grew up in the Philippines, all one needs to say is karaoke and I’m there.
Over at the Auckland Town Hall, Kiwi talent Ester Stephens headlines That Bloody Woman, a show described as a rock opera musical. Come on, a rock opera musical. That sounds incredibly badass! The show honours the star of our $10 note Kate Sheppard and tackles the patriarchy, public opinion and her fight to win women the right to vote. So timely, right?
Other shows included in this year’s line-up are Starman, Play On, The Sound of Falling Stars, Cole, O A’u (It’s Me) and Super HUGH-Man – The Legend Lives On.
For more information regarding shows and tickets, you can check out the official site for the Cabaret Season here.
And if you fancy making your cabaret night more special, grab a drink at the late night piano bar pop up set to open as part of the International Cabaret Season. The bar will be inside Q Theatre’s Vault at 305 Queen Street. Entry to this exclusive bar is by a daily password, or you can sing a song and win over the door host to let you inside. You can find out the secret password when you attend your Cabaret Season show.
