Winter Soulstice
In her swan song as Artistic Director, Ali McGregor did a fine job in assembling a cast of incredibly talented performers to wrap up the Adelaide Cabaret Festival for 2018 with a closing gala, Winter Soulstice.
Having scouted the cabaret world for artists, McGregor made special mention of the fact that there were more South Australians in this year’s line-up than any other year.
The Festival Theatre stage became McGregor’s living room; one by one, performers would stop by to showcase their talents. Add to that a gifted house-band and comical banter with a haphazard butler and you get 90 minutes of sheer entertainment.
McGregor’s guests looked fabulous as they sashayed down the stylish, enormous staircase. One by one they sang personal favourites from their respective shows. If you were unable to get to any of the festival, this was a fine way to get a taste of cabaret in all its glory.
Performers included international stars such as Jason Kravits, John Cameron Mitchell and Sven Ratzke, as well as homegrown talent such as Johanna Allen, Yana Alana and my personal favourite Michaela Burger. Powerhouse vocals filled the auditorium as McGregor steered a tight ship.
Acknowledging the land of the Kaurna people was a marvellous way to wrap up the festival. Mission Songs Project, who are a foursome of Indigenous performers were invited back to the stage to perform a mash-up of the Yothu Yindi classic Treaty along with German-Dutch star Sven Ratzke singing the David Bowie song Let’s Dance.
A collaboration of cabaret’s brightest stars was a fitting way to say goodbye and McGregor was full of professionalism and praise for the opportunity to be at the helm of yet another successful Adelaide Cabaret Festival.
Kerry Cooper
Image: Ali McGregor
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