Do you like your cabaret shaken or stirred? That's what the cast from
Cabernet will be helping you figure out, as they entertain you with their jazz tunes, their speakeasy performance, and their sultry combination of sass, class, and quirk.
After being scouted to perform at the SOHO Playhouse in NYC,
Kate Ryan, Amelie Peters and
Georgia Van Der Sman decided to premiere their fantastic and sought-after show at this year's Adelaide Fringe. Described as a "
shameless and audacious cabaret", the cast of
Cabernet promise to provide audiences with the perfect ensemble of grounded, airborne and upside-down acts.
I was fortunate to score an e-interview with Amelie (one of the presenters of
Cabernet) - have a read of our exchange below:
Photo by Kelly Barnes
Tema: Can you tell us about yourself, Amelie?
Amelie: I am an award-winning, classically trained vocalist, co-producer of Cabernet the Cabaret, international performer and BAST accredited vocal coach. Trained extensively by Kirsty Roberts, I hold a Bachelor of Music in Classical Voice Performance and Pedagogy from the Elder Conservatorium of Adelaide.
While I specialise in classical voice, I also have a strong background in musical theatre, jazz and contemporary music. I have worked with renowned opera singers, musical theatre composers and Broadway stars from around the world.
I have toured both Australia and the USA as a professional vocalist. My ability to inspire, guide and nurture talent has led to consistently outstanding results for my private students and vocal ensembles, making me one of the most sought after young vocal coaches in Adelaide.
Tema: Who are the key individuals involved in the production / creation / performance of Cabernet?
Amelie: Kate Ryan & Georgia van der Sman are fellow co-producers on this production.
Kate Ryan is a classically trained dancer who has performed a range of styles - from commercial to musical theatre jazz, tap, contemporary and recently burlesque. Her experience extends from the national basketball league court to more intimate stage settings including cabaret-style shows. Kate travelled to Melbourne and New York City in 2017, to participate in both Fringe seasons in a Cabaret/ Burlesque production. She was recently engaged to perform on 'Rock the Boat' cruise ship 2018 among many other professional artists.
Georgia van der Sman is a commercially and classically trained professional dancer from Adelaide. She began her training at the young age of 6, practising ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, music theatre and only recently, exploring the aerial arts and pole dancing. Outside of her training and school life, Georgia indulged in extra-curricular activities, such as performing in amateur musical productions, choreographing multiple high school productions and was involved in a Hip Hop dance group competing across South Australia placing 1st and 2nd. After completing a year of Full-Time Commercial Dance training, Georgia performed in the Adelaide Fringe Festival as a dancer and aerialist for a Burlesque Cabaret show. The show received a great response, which caused a second season return and toured to Perth, Melbourne and New York City. Georgia has decided to expand her knowledge of the performing arts and work professionally overseas in India. She is working alongside some of the biggest names in Bollywood and performing in live shows and music videos while simultaneously learning a new style of performing arts.
Other key individuals involved in the production of Cabernet include:
Sara Bartholomew - Dancer & Acro performer
Josh Kapitza - MC & improvisor
Sarah Todd - Dancer
Vanessa Stone - Dancer
Emily Raymond - Dancer & Acro Performer
Martine Micklem - Aerial trapeze artist
Photo by Kelly Barnes
Tema: What is the basic premise of Cabernet (without giving too much away)?
Amelie: Cabernet is a shameless, audacious yet classic cabaret featuring nine South Australian based performers showcasing immense talent through vocals, dance, acrobatics, improvisation and aerial stunts.
Tema: What inspired you to come up with the concept of the show?
Amelie: In 2017, the co-producers of 'Cabernet the Cabaret' were a part of a burlesque Adelaide fringe show. We toured to the Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne Fringe festivals that year. Whilst performing in Adelaide, we were scouted to perform in the Fringe Encore Series at the Soho Playhouse, New York City! After performing overseas, we were so inspired that we wanted to create something at home to an international level using only local SA based performers.
Tema: Who would you say is the target audience for the show?
Amelie: I'd say 20-40 year old women. It's the perfect show for a night out with the girls, hen's night or even just to come and watch some great home-grown talent!
Tema: How long have you been involved with the Adelaide Fringe (AF)?
Amelie: My first show was in 2017. This year will be my first year co-producing & performing in my own show.
Tema: What are you anticipating from this year's AF?
Amelie: From experience, we know that Adelaide is notorious for buying tickets on the day of, so it's absolutely awful - the anticipation (although our sales have done better than we expected so far)!
From a performing perspective, being involved in the AF gives you a sense of community, a chance to do what you love with a city that absolutely adores and appreciates festivals!
Photo by Kelly Barnes
Tema: What are you hoping for audiences to experience from attending Cabernet?
Amelie: Exceptional talent ranging from dancing, acrobatics, aerial stunts, improvisation and vocals. We want them to sit back, relax and just enjoy the show with a cheeky wine in hand! This is a shameless cabaret that offers something for everyone to enjoy!
Tema: How did you score the venue The Adelaide Convention Centre for your show?
Amelie: Our co-producer Kate knew someone who held their Fringe show at the ACC last year and they put in a good word for us! We are so fortunate to have such a lovely (and BIG) space!
Tema: What made you decide to have a limited number of shows this year?
Amelie: That depends on what the Fringe venue can provide for you during the season. We have four back-to-back shows from Feb 28th - March 3rd. Additionally, the deposit isn't cheap, so I don't think we could afford any more shows without some more sponsorship!
Tema: If there was any advice that you could give emerging / aspiring individuals who are looking to get into the performing arts scene, what would it be?
Amelie: Performers - go to the audition, nail it, have fun and do what you do best! Read through the fine print of your contracts carefully and be selective with who you work with. You should 100% be getting paid for your services! Also, if you're an artist who wants to produce a show, be prepared for a tone of admin work!
In regards to producing a show, I think Georgia & Kate can also agree with me on this one is that we like to work in a team. It's more productive, fun, and shares the workload and expenses!
Tema: What are you looking forward to, at this year's AF (apart from running your show)?
Amelie: The atmosphere and excitement! Adelaide only wakes up for about a month each year and this is the time!
Tema: Is there anything else that you'd like your audience / our readers to know about you and Cabernet?
Amelie: Nothing says 'cabaret' like banquet-style seating. This is why our seating plan is made up of tables of ten. Not only can you bring your entire posse – you will also have somewhere to rest your beverage! We hope to create a relaxed vibe and encourage a social aspect to our event. It will be first in best dressed on the night, however, if you have a large group and are worried about missing out on a full table, please let us know and we will do our best to reserve you a table in advance.
Cabernet will be performing at the Adelaide Convention Centre from February 28 - March 3, as part of Adelaide Fringe.
Book your tix
here and follow the cast via their social media platforms:
Facebook //
Instagram.