Hayes Theatre Co Announces 2014 Cabaret Season

Hayes Theatre Co is thrilled to be hosting experienced masters of the craft of cabaret , such as Mark Nadler, David Campbell and John Bucchino, Rhonda Burchmore and Donna Lee; up-and-coming young stars like Tom Sharah, Gillian Cosgriff, Brendan Hay, Matt Gilbertson, and Hilary Cole; and even a show where the two worlds meet - Phil Scott's collaboration with Blake Bowden, Mario.

Michael Griffiths brings his award-winning interpretation of the songs of Annie Lennox, while Elise McCann examines the irresistible appeal of Lucille Ball to 1950s America. Johanna Allen breathes electrifying new life into the songbook of Harold Arlen, and Toby Francis lifts the curtain on a very different songwriter, rock legend Jim Steinman.

Hayes Theatre Co's cabaret season includes the world premiere of five new cabaret shows, and the Sydney premiere of six more.

As part of Hayes Theatre Co's commitment to bringing young performers into the cabaret scene, the theatre is also collaborating with cabaret guru Queenie van de Zandt on a two-week Cabaret Winter Workshop during the season. Registrations for the workshop will open during April, and will be available first to members of Hayes Theatre Co's and Queenie van de Zandt's mailing lists.

"From veterans to newcomers, popera to pop music, Hayes Theatre Co's cabaret season offers a diverse and invigorating range of experiences", said Richard Carroll - Hayes Theatre Co board member and producer at Luckiest Productions.

First up is Elise McCann in Everybody Loves Lucy, a world premiere presented by Luckiest Productions in association with Hayes Theatre Co.

Lucille Ball was the Queen of American comedy for decades. After years paying her dues in B-movies, she won the public's hearts and reigned supreme as television's biggest star in I Love Lucy - the most popular sitcom in American history. Acclaimed Australian theatre star Elise McCann (Mamma Mia, South Pacific) presents a tribute to a true trail-blazer, including much-loved songs from Lucy's time on the air. Dates & Times: Wed 4th June 8:30pm, Thur 5th June 8:30pm and Fri 6th June 6:30pm. Tickets: $35 all tickets. Musical Director - Nigel Ubrihien. Written by Elise McCann and Richard Carroll.

Next is Hans: Like a German, presented by Hans in association with Hayes Theatre Co.

After a smash hit run at the 2014 Adelaide Fringe playing to packed Spiegeltent crowds, and a blockbuster sell-out season of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Hans is heading to Sydney! Join Hans, his band The Ungrateful Bastards and dancers The Lucky Bitches for an evening of hotpants, feathers and accordions. With more eyeliner than Cleopatra and more drama than an episode of the Real Housewives, Hans will make you feel Like A German as well with his unique brand of in your face cabaret. Dates & Times: Fri 6th June 8:30pm and Sat 7th June 6:30pm. Tickets: $30 all tickets.

Next up is The Songs That Got Away: The Music of Harold Arlen, presented by Working Management in association with Hayes Theatre Co.

Take a stroll to 1930's Manhattan. Pull up a chair at the Cotton club. The music of Harold Arlen drifts in and reigns supreme...'Stormy Weather, The Man that got Away, Blues in the Night, Get Happy, One for my baby, I got the World on a string, The Old Black Magic and the song that is etched into our hearts like no other....'Somewhere Over the Rainbow.' Acclaimed singer and actor Johanna Allen showcases the catalogue of his songs, ranging from his most famous ballads to the sassy depths of the melancholy blues. A vocal powerhouse of jazz, blues, musical theatre and opera, Allen explores the music he wrote and the women who sang it. Dates & Times: Sat 7th June 8:30pm and Sun 8th June 6:30pm. Tickets: $32.75 all tickets. Musical Director - Michael Tyack. Director - Stuart Maunder.

The next performance is Vinyl Viagra in Rhonda Burchmore, presented by Rhonda Burchmore in association with Hayes Theatre Co.

The fabulous Ms. B will unleash the 'Vixens of Vinyl' making temperatures soar and hearts pulse. Channelling the sex appeal and songs of divas from Marlene Dietrich, Shirley Bassey, Cher and Chrissy Amphlett to Madonna, Kylie, Beyonce, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga with just a hint of Berlin cabaret - mixed with the boldness of burlesque - the sultry Ms. B invites you to an adventurous evening of sublime sensuality. Songs like 'I Touch Myself, 'Private Dancer', 'Roar', 'Wrecking Ball', 'Locomotion', 'Back to Black' and more will feature in this devil-icious fantasy. Dates & Times: Wed 11th June - Fri 13th June 8:30pm. Tickets: $49 full price, $42 concession.

Next up is Hilary Cole in OCDiva, presented by Hilary Cole & Highway Run Productions in association with Hayes Theatre Co.

Hilary Cole - star of Squabbalogic's hit shows Carrie: The Musical and The Drowsy Chaperone - recounts her obsession with... well, most things. Featuring music that ranges from Stephen Sondheim and Jerome Kern to The Beatles and Blondie, Hilary tells the story of her obsessive nature and what it means to find solid footing in the midst of a manic existence. Dates & Times: Sun15th June 6:30pm, Sun 22nd June 6:30pm and Sun 29th June 8:30pm. Tickets: $35 full price, $30 concession.

Next in the lineup is David Campbell Sings John Bucchino, presented by Luckiest Productions in association with Hayes Theatre Co.

David Campbell and Broadway composer John Bucchino have performed across the globe together over the last twenty years. In this deeply personal and intimate show, Campbell and Bucchino return to the stage to talk about their lives, careers and the songs that have bound them together. David Campbell is one of Australia's foremost entertainers. John Bucchino is one of America's most beloved composers and his songs have been recorded by everyone from Liza Minelli to Art Garfunkel and Kristen Chenoweth. Dates & Times: Wed 18th June 6:30pm, Thurs 19th June 6:30 pm, Fri 20th June 6:30pm, Wed 25th June 6:30pm, Thurs 26th June 6:30pm, Fri 27th June 6:30pm and Sat28th June 2:00pm and 8:30pm. Tickets: $49 full price, $42 concessions. Musical Director - John Bucchino.

The next performer up is Gillian Cosgriff in This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things, presented by Hayes Theatre Co.

Following her successful debut show, Waitressing... and Other Things I Do Well, Gillian Cosgriff is doing less waitressing and more of the other things. These may include: drinking, text messages, profanity, sex, grammar, hangovers, and Band-Aids. Her hilarious original songs will make you glad these things haven't happened to you. After graduating from WAAPA in 2010 with a Bachelor of Music Theatre, Gillian wrote her debut show, Waitressing...And Other Things I Do Well, which played to sellout crowds in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Dates & Tickets: Thurs 19th June - Sat 21st June 8:30pm. Tickets: $30 full price, $25 concession, $20 groups of 6+.

Next is Donna Lee Sings Petula Clark, presented by Donna Lee & Neil Gooding Productions in association with Hayes Theatre Co.

Donna pays tribute (not an impression or impersonation) and takes us on a journey through the career of one of the most enduring performers of our time, Miss Petula Clark, which includes her hit songs plus songs from her film and stage appearances. A celebration of wonderful Petula Clark Songs! Dates & Times: Sun 22nd June 2:00pm and Sun 29th June 6:30pm. Tickets: $35 all tickets. Directed by Neil Gooding.

The next performance is Mark Nadler in I'm A Stranger Here Myself, presented by David M. Hawkins in association with Hayes Theatre Co.

In his most personal and gripping show, I'm a Stranger Here Myself, internationally acclaimed and multi-award winning entertainer Mark Nadler explores the depths of the European expatriate experience. Using songs by German and French artists - Kurt Weill, Friedrich Hollaender, Lotte Lenya and Marlene Dietrich (to name a few) - who through their music express the declarations of identity, the resistance in the face of terror and the hopes for survival. Nadler examines the lives of these artists as well as those of ordinary German citizens caught up in one of the most intriguing periods of the Twentieth Century. Dates & Times: Tuesday 24th June - Friday 27rth June 8:30pm. Tickets: $49 all tickets.

Next in the lineup is Sweet Dreams: Songs by Annie Lennox, presented by Michael Griffiths in association with Hayes Theatre Co.

From acclaimed writer/director Dean Bryant (Sweet Charity). Michael Griffiths IS Annie Lennox. From the gender bending early days as one half of Eurythmics through to her stunning solo career, revisit unforgettable songs like Why, Walking on Broken Glass and There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart). Winner Best Cabaret Adelaide Fringe 2014. Dates & Times: Wed 2nd July 8:30pm, Thur 3rd July 8:30pm, Fri 4th July 6:30pm and Sat 5th July 8:30pm. Tickets: $35 all tickets. Writer/Director - Dean Bryant. Musical Director - Michael Griffiths.

Next up is Toby Francis in Love and Death and an American Guitar, presented by Highway Run Productions in association with Hayes Theatre Co.

Love and Death and an American Guitar is set a few years after the release of iconic rock album Bat Out of Hell as Jim Steinman - the album's composer - struggles with a lack of recognition for his work and returns to complete his dream project, a rock opera adaptation of Peter Pan. Dates & Times: Fri 4th July 8:30pm, Sat 5th July 6:30pm and Sun 6th July 8:30pm. Tickets: $35 full price, $30 concession/student. Musical Director - Andrew Worboys.

The next performer is Tom Sharah in That '90s Show, presented by One-Eyed Man Productions in association with Hayes Theatre Co.

You CAN feel the love tonight! From the Backstreet Boys to the Spice Girls, Bill & Ted to Romy & Michelle - the 1990s was a decade of big pants and tight dance moves. It was also the decade that nurtured and formed award-winning cabaret starTom Sharah, who brings his tight pants and big dance moves to this totally bodacious night of cabaret. Tom Sharah (Que Sera Sharah, It's Raining Me) takes the audience on a ride through the decade that created him - with guilty-pleasure songs (minus the guilt), and outrageous childhood stories in his own unmistakable style. Dates & Times: Sun 6th July 6:30pm, Sun 13th July 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Tickets: $35 full price. Musical Director - Nigel Ubrihien.

Next up are Blake Bowden & Phil Scott in MARIO, presented by One-Eyed Man Productions in association with Hayes Theatre Co.

For a short while the American tenor Mario Lanza was the greatest star of the 1950s. One of the first superstars, his records topped the charts, he was the darling of Hollywood, and everyone fell for his charm and that beautiful voice. Ten years later, Mario was all washed up, dying mysteriously at the age of 38. Blake Bowden (South Pacific) sings up a storm as the stormy Lanza, while writer/satirist/pianist Phil Scott fills in the gaps, playing various characters in the singer's life. Directed by Eamon Flack (Angels in America), this show re-creates an era of memorable music, murderous mafiosi and Louis B. Mayer. Dates & Times: Wed 9th - Sat 12th July 6.30pm. Tickets: $39 all tickets. Conceived by Blake Bowden and Phil Scott. Written by Phil Scott. Directed by Eamon Flack.

Next is Cruello de Vil in Dance with De Vil, presented by Brendan Hay in association with Hayes Theatre Co.

Dance with De Vil, a collaboration between Sydney based comedian Jared Jekyll and emerging cabaret artist Brendan Hay (best known as Australia's Got Talent's Valère), delves into the delicate tale of the damaging effect of being the only descendant of infamous socialite and fashionista, Cruella de Vil. The story revolves around Hay's new alter ego, Cruello, and the mystery surrounding his sudden and somewhat unexpected re-emergence into society. High Fashion meets Fetish, Cabaret meets Glam Club Kids. Be prepared for many a song, many a dance, full musical accompaniment and perhaps even an interview with the Queen of Fur and Mother herself... Dates & Times: Thurs 10th July - Sat 12th July 8.30pm. Tickets: $30 all tickets. Musical Director - Benjamin Kiehne. Written by Jared Jekyll & Brendan Hay.

Hayes Theatre Co, Amazon Woman Enterprises and Queenie van de Zandt presents CABARET WINTER WORKSHOP - Devise, produce and perform your own cabaret show. The Cabaret Winter Workshop is a groundbreaking 2-week course designed to help up and coming cabaret performers to attain the unique skills needed to devise, produce and perform their own cabaret show.

This workshop is the first one of it's kind in Australia. Led by cabaret and musical theatre star, Queenie van de Zandt, along with a Who's Who of cabaret in Australia including:Jonathan Biggins (Co-writer, director, & performer of the STC's Wharf Review), David Harris (Legally Blonde, Miss Saigon, Wicked), iOTA (Smoke & Mirrors, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Great Gatsby) and more. The workshop will conclude with performances at Hayes Theatre Co as part of its annual cabaret season.

The workshop will be held Monday 2nd - Friday 13th June 9am - 5pm, with public performances on Saturday 14th June at Hayes Theatre Co. Cost: Early Bird Registrations: $1,760 (incl. GST) For: Anyone over 18 years old, interested in producing, writing or performing cabaret.

Read more information about every show, and book tickets at www.hayestheatre.com.au

Hayes Theatre Co is a dedicated music theatre and cabaret venue in Potts Point which was formerly the home of the Darlinghurst Theatre Company. Named for Australian musical theatre legend, Nancye Hayes OAM, Hayes Theatre Co honours and builds on the vast history of Australian Musical Theatre and its practitioners. This not-for-profit venue is managedby Independent Music Theatre, a collaborative partnership focusing on providing a permanent home for small-scale musical theatre and cabaret. By providing venue space to newly mounted productions, Hayes Theatre Co, will be a presenting partner together with independent producers and artists. Hayes Theatre Co is made possible through the City of Sydney's Accommodation Grant Program.

Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Ave Potts Point.

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