AMANDA Harrison has performed in front of thousands as Wicked’s Elphaba, she has danced alongside Hugh Jackman and Olivia Newton John – but taking on those role have been a breeze compared to her cabaret show.
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That is because in her new show Up Close and Reasonably Personal Ms Harrison doesn’t hide behind a character – she plays herself.
“This show is more about my family and my life and it was written by a good friend,” Ms Harrison said.
“I do experience more nerves though because there is nothing to hide behind.”
Ms Harrison’s eclectic cabaret repertoire, performed at The Ballarat Cabaret Festival, kicks off with Ding Dong the Witch Is Dead and is smattered with a mix of musical theatre numbers and hard-core rock and roll.
“I describe the show as being like a Smooth FM song mix,” Ms Harrison said.
She said the Cabaret scene had continued to expand in recent years and was a way for performers to “break-into” theatre.
“It’s a way for entertainers to still perform,” Ms Harrison said.“Musical theatre is very much a closed industry … it’s also great for regional areas to get that cultural experience from all walks of life.”
Ms Harrison performed last night and will return to Ballarat on October 23 and 24 for the Cabaret Portrait Series.
The festival’s first international performer, South America’s Alicia Rappoport will magnetise audience members will her imaginative performance and ability to soar to soprano heights on Friday. For a full lit of events visit ballaretcabaret.com.
