Marika Aubrey: Red, Hot and Raring to Go
It’s a big day for cabaret performer Marika Aubrey. Audiences at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival will tonight witness the world premiere of her show Last of the Red Hot Mamas, and as she sits in the foyer of the Adelaide Festival Centre in gorgeous 1920s garb, her calm demeanour belies the nerves in her belly.
“Am I nervous? Yes. Yes, absolutely”, she says, unwavering. This is a woman who knows control.
“Of course it’s always scary when you put something out there into the world for the first time.”
It’s now 2pm and Marika has been at the venue for a little over 4 hours. Her design team, band and musical director have already been through technical rehearsals, sound checks and now the media frenzy begins.
As she is photographed, interviewed and man handled into different positions on a plush couch, she looks completely at home. And she is. No stranger to the stage, Marika is returning to the Adelaide Cabaret Festival with a solo show for the second time.
In 2010, her acclaimed cabaret Redhead sold out and went on to tour the country (and now boasts an official album). This year, she returns with a six piece band and a brand new concept – an exploration of the life of the oversexed, outspoken and outrageous Vaudeville star Sophie Tucker in The Last of the Red Hot Mamas.
“I was here with Redhead in 2010 and I fell in LOVE with the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. I actually think it’s the best festival in the whole world – in terms of the variety, the acclaim and most importantly the audience support. Adelaide gets out and supports their festivals. It’s very impressive”, Aubrey said.
Musically directed by Geoffrey Castles, designed by Tanith J. Harley and penned by Aubrey herself, this show is not your usual fare for a cabaret festival.
“This time, with Tanith’s beautiful work, sourcing vintage set pieces and and wonderful costumes, there is a lot more in the way of production values than I have had before. I think it’s not just a concert-cabaret or a pure tribute show. What we have done here is take the life story of Sophie Tucker and the jazz of that era and married them with my personal connections to Ukraine (Aubrey’s mother is Ukrainian and coincidently her great grandfather is from the same area as Sophie Tucker),” she said.
The show features some standard jazz pieces like ‘The Man I Love’ and ‘After You’ve Gone’, uniquely arranged for the incredible band by sought-after musical director Geoffrey Castles.
“Geoff and I have been working together for 10 years now”, says Aubrey. “He’s probably very sick of me! But I can’t take a breath on stage without him sensing me and playing along with me beautifully. Lucky me!”, she said.
Lesser known Tucker songs that caused controversy in her day – such as ‘Nobody Loves a Fat Girl’ – also appear in the repertoire, and Marika is hard pressed to name a favourite.
“Oh, but we do a really dirty, excellent blues piece – led by double bassist Trent Prees – and it’s wonderful just to let loose and jam with such amazing musicians.”
And let loose she will. It’s going to be a red, hot evening.
Last of the Red Hot Mamas plays three shows at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival in the Banquet Room.
Wed 19 June 7pm
Thurs 20 June 1pm & 7pm
For more information visit adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au
