The Concert Chamber transforms into a hotbed of decadence as THE EDGE presents a sumptuous five-night engagement of the Cabaret world’s hottest talents, as the inaugural Auckland International Cabaret Season takes place 4^th – 8^th June 2014, Live at the Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall.

Seven of the scene’s brightest stars indulge audiences with a season that embraces the true spirit of the cabaret. An intoxicating mix of international and locally revered acts offer up a blend of original, classic and contemporary cabaret performances in an intimate cabaret club setting.

“Cabaret superstar” (New York Magazine) Lady Rizo (USA) is a comedienne, chanteuse and cabaret revivalist who has created vintage arrangements and theatrical explorations of pop songs from every decade. A Grammy winner in 2010 as part of a duet with acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma, she has performed at legendary West Village nightclub Nell’s, entertaining the likes of Prince, Beyoncé and Jay-Z.

Arriving with oversized suitcases jam-packed with 160 pounds of drag, Le Gateau Chocolat (UK), a Nigerian-born, London-based baritone, will set your senses ablaze with opera, musical theatre, jazz, and even some rap. Serving up a delectable confection of hand-picked arrangements as random as a box of chocolates, you’ll fall for his big heart, infectious energy and gargantuan voice.

Fresh from her role in Silo’s homage to Jacques Brel, Julia Deans (NZ) is unleashed on Joni Mitchell’s iconic songbook with Both Sides Now – a world premiere collaboration with former Silo artistic director Shane Bosher.

Dean’s Brel co-star Jennifer Ward-Lealand (NZ) returns to Auckland with Falling In Love Again as the celebrated actress sings highlights from Marlene Dietrich’s films, concerts and recordings.

Michael Griffiths (AUS) makes his highly anticipated return to New Zealand with two one-night-only shows. With In Vogue, Griffiths pays homage to the Queen of Pop, Madonna – with no costume, no accent or wig. Just ‘Madge’ accompanying herself at the piano on a journey through her tough and tender songs. Sweet Dreams, an Auckland premiere, once more pays homage to a diva from the 80’s; this time, Eurythmics’ Annie Lennox.

2013 Green Room Award winner Tommy Bradson (Australia) marks another Auckland premiere with The Men My Mother Loved: it’s the early 80’s, records spin on the radio, groupies flock to gigs to fall for their idols, and a bastard child follows his mother in the shadow of rock n roll.

Rounding off the season’s participants – take four good looking, hip swaying, suave Māori guys crooning a mix of modern day and classic songs in Te Reo and English and you get The Modern Māori Quartet (NZ). Following their sell-out season at Galatos in 2013, this charming quartet are back to serve up more classics with a fresh ‘golden syrup on fried bread twist’.

This is a world class line up of soulful, powerful and comedic cabaret voices – don’t miss the Auckland International Cabaret Season, on for just five nights this June at Auckland Town Hall.

AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL CABARET SEASON
Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall, THE EDGE.

Julia Deans – Both Sides Now:
June 4^th, 6:30pm and June 8^th, 7pm
(Premium -$40, Gallery – $25, Table of 6 -$216)

The Modern Māori Quartet:
June 4^th, 8pm and June 8^th, 5:30pm
(Premium -$35, Gallery – $20, Table of 6 – $192) 

Michael Griffiths – Sweet Dreams:
June 4^th, 9:30pm
(Premium -$35, Gallery – $20, Table of 6 -$192) 

Michael Griffiths –In Vogue:
June 5^th, 9:30pm
(Premium -$35, Gallery – $20, Table of 6 -$192) 

Jennifer Ward-Lealand – Falling In Love Again:
June 5^th, 6:30pm
(Premium – $35, Gallery – $20, Table of 6  -$192) 

Lady Rizo:
June 5^th, June 6^th, June 7^th, 8pm. June 8^th, 8:30pm.
(Premium – $45, Gallery – $25, Table of 6 -$234) 

Tommy Bradson – The Men My Mother Loved:
June 6^th and June 7^th, 6:30pm
(Cabaret – $30, Gallery – $20, Table of 6 -$162) 

Le Gateau Chocolat:
June 6^th and June 7^th, 9:30pm.
(Premium – $45, Gallery – $25, Group 6+ -$234) 

Bookings through Ticketmaster – www.ticketmaster.co.nz or 09 970 9700 (booking fees apply) 

2 shows only