Showqueen shows off cabaret legends
After two fabulous and successful years, Sydney’s weekly Sunday night cabaret Showqueen is still going strong. Showqueen has showcased the talents of hundreds of cabaret artists and drawn thousands of people through its doors.
Performers who have taken to the stage over the past two years include Michael Cormick, Alison Jiear, Paul Capsis, Hayden Tee, iOTA, Margi de Ferranti, Virginia Gay, Mark Trevorrow, Mitchell Butel, Anne Wood, Matthew Robinson, Phil Scott, Lucinda Shaw, Avigail Herman, Nick Christo and David Harris, plus the casts of musicals like Guys and Dolls, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Chicago, The Rocky Horror Show and Gutenberg the Musical.
Trevor Ashley, Showqueen’s creator and producer, announced that in 2010 the concept will have a new venue.
“Showqueen is moving to a fabulous new home at the Kit & Kaboodle club above The Sugar Mill in Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross, commencing this coming Sunday,” Ashley said.
“The venue is a stunning mix of vintage glamour and contemporary style and provides the perfect setting for the intimate cabaret atmosphere of Showqueen.”
Showqueen 2010 kicks off with a Season of Legends – week after week, legend after legend will take to the stage to show audiences why they’ve earned their reputations. This year promises to have more glamour, more excitement and more divas than the last!
January 31 – Su Cruickshank Tribute, starring Genevieve Lemon, Phil Scott, Donna Lee and a host of others
Australian jazz legend Su Cruickshank was larger than life in person and on stage. She began her career as a jazz singer and went on to work as a comedian, actor, writer and all-round entertainer. She wowed audiences with her smooth vocals and impressive four-octave range and guaranteed to have the crowd in stitches by the end of the show. Join Genevieve Lemon, Phil Scott , Donna Lee and more as they pay tribute to the truly legendary Su Cruickshank.
February 7 – Toni Lamond [pictured]
Born to an Australian show business dynasty, Toni’s career began at age 10 singing on the radio and has since gone on to encompass musical comedy, plays, recordings, film and cabaret. In Australia she has starred in countless productions including The Pajama Game, Oliver, Gypsy, Anything Goes, 42nd Street and My Fair Lady. A testament to her incredible career and talent, Toni is the recipient of the Key to the City of Melbourne, an Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, two Logies and two lifetime achievement awards (Greenroom Awards 2008 and the Sydney Theatre Critics 2009). This is a rare opportunity for you to see Australian entertainment royalty away from the crowds in an intimate cabaret atmosphere.
February 14 – Shauna Jensen
Be prepared to be blown away by the dark, powerful voice of legendary Australian diva Shauna Jensen as she takes to the stage for this season of Showqueen. Shauna’s career began as a background vocalist for many of Australia’s biggest music names including INXS, Powderfinger, Jimmy Barnes and Hugh Jackman. It has expanded significantly since then to include musical theatre, television and vocal coaching. Often described as Australia’s leading gay house diva, Shauna’s electrifying performance is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
February 21- Donna Lee
Donna`s theatre debut came at the age of nine and she has since built an impressive musical career appearing in numerous productions including Fiddler on the Roof, Jesus Christ Superstar, Gypsy, Showboat, Hello Dolly, Anything Goes and Oklahoma. An expansion into television with appearances on Australian favourites like A Country Practice and Neighbours secured Donna’s national recognition and an extensive fan base. The recipient of two Mo awards for her cabaret performances and a Green Room award for her performance as Ado Annie in Oklahoma, Donna is a truly spectacular musical legend not to be missed.
February 28 – A special night to celebrate Trevor Ashley’s birthday, with artists including international piano sensation Matt Yee
Join us as we celebrate the birthday of the queen diva himself, Trevor Ashley. With artists including international entertainer and piano sensation Matt Yee, this night promises to be a fun and fabulous celebration of Showqueen’s creator and producer.
March 7 – Nancye Hayes
Nancye Hayes OAM is an actor, dancer, singer, choreographer and director who began her career in JC Williamson’s production of My Fair Lady in 1961. Since then she has sung and danced her way through a cavalcade of musical successes including Pippin, Irene, Annie, Chicago, Sweeny Todd and Nine. Nancy’s long and expansive show business career doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon and she will be appearing in Opera Australia’s production of A little Night Music in May. Join this veteran stage performer in a night celebrating her career.
March 14 – Geraldine Turner
Geraldine Turner is a true veteran of Australian show business. Her career spans stage, television, film and music, proving she can thrive in any area of the entertainment industry. Geraldine has starred in countless musicals, operas and plays including A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Chicago, The Witches of Eastwick, HMS Pinafore, The Vagina Monologues and Summer of the Seventeenth Doll. Don’t miss Australia’s leading lady of musical theatre as she mesmerizes her audience in this intimate, one-night only cabaret.
March 21 – Maria Venuti
Maria Venuti is a vivacious personality – and one of great natural warmth and exuberance. Combined with a dynamic singing voice, these traits have made her career as a performer, actor and entertainer highly successful. As one of this country’s legends, Maria has played in every major cabaret venue around Australia, New Zealand, the Far East and Japan as well as entertaining our ‘boys’ in the Sinai Desert. This is a rare opportunity for you to see Maria up close and very personal!
SHOWQUEEN – A SEASON OF LEGENDS
Venue: Kit & Kaboodle, 35 Darlinghurst Rd, Kings Cross
Time: Sundays at 8.30pm
Price: $25 show only/ $40 dinner and show
Tickets: www.moshtix.com.au