Brian D’Arcy James for Adelaide Cabaret Festival

Two time Tony Award nominee and leading man Brian D’Arcy James has starred opposite some of the biggest names on Broadway but now he’s showcasing his diverse talent to Australians for the first time, with his 2014 Adelaide Cabaret Festival show, Under The Influence.

‘This will be my first time in Australia,’ he says, ‘so the idea of being introduced to a whole new and exciting country and culture is thrilling. I have a handful of friends who live there so I’m eager to see them as well.  I’ve heard of the Festival for quite some time from Broadway colleagues and they always speak in such glowing terms, so I’m really looking forward to being there.’

Under The Influence is an evening of both music and memories from the heart of New York. James presents his own take on popular favourites from the 70s and 80s, along with a host of Broadway classics. He’ll string together the music he says defines his DNA; anything from Billy Joel to Marvin Hamlisch, Squeeze to Shrek. There’ll be reminiscences, such as James’ introduction to original cast albums and the revisiting of his own Broadway auditions.

Brian D’Arcy James has plenty of performance history to draw on as material for his show. As well as being a consummate recording artist and concert performer he is an award-winning theatre, film and television actor.

As a concert artist he has performed worldwide in venues such as Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall and even The White House.

James’ recent theatre experience includes starring in the Public Theater’s production of the new musical, Giant. James originated the role of Dan Goodman in the Pulitzer Prize- winning Next To Normal at Second Stage Theater, later reprising the role in the 2010 Broadway production. His Tony nominations were for Shrek, in Shrek The Musical and as Sidney Falco in Sweet Smell of Success.

James’ Film credits include Admission, Game Change and Bird in a Box, amongst several others. His television work is broad and includes Smash, Ironside, The Good Wife and Person of Interest, to name a few.

Brian D’Arcy James says that as this is his first trip to Australia it will be an introduction of sorts for him. ‘I hope to remind people of my roots as a Broadway performer,’ he says, ‘but also give them a more personal view of my musical upbringing and my love of pop music.’  

Australians can get a sense of what this multi-skilled performer is all about by heading along to the Dunstan Playhouse to enjoy Under The Influence, on June 18^th or 19^th.

Lesley Reed

WHEN:June 18, 6.30 pm; June 19, 9 pm.

VENUE:Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre

TICKETS: A Res Adult $54.90; A Res Conc $49.90; Green Room $27.45.

BOOKINGS: BASS 131 246 or online at www.bass.net.au

For further information visit http://www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au

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