If there's a Paris King of Cabaret, dear reader, it's Toby Rose. I first met him six or so years ago when a mutual friend dragged me along to his "Liza Minelli and David Gest Wedding Celebration" in the basement of a Marais bar. Ten minutes in and I was a fan. I even still have the pub optic in the shape of "a gentleman's equipment" that I won that night for knowing all the words to The Carpenters' hit "Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft." Since then, he's moved on to bigger and better things - a regular slot at the wonderful Café Oscar (think red plush Victorian boudoir with a stage - heaven!). Which is where I found myself with friends this weekend for his latest extravaganza, "Divas 'n' Idols." It was, I'm pleased to report, the usual fabulous (my italics) mixture of "seat of the pants" stage management, bad jokes and heckling. When I told my friends that there was some audience participation involved, I don't think they were actually expecting to end up performing. I know I wasn't. But they rose to the occasion magnificently, with Sophie coming within a hair's breadth of winning a crystal Eiffel Tower for her impeccable rendition of "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend," complete with backing dancers. Terrific. And, of course, the hard core went on to round off the evening at gay karaoke. You didn't see that coming, did ya? :-)
P.S. I was shocked to hear about the untimely death of Heath Ledger. I found his performance in "Brokeback Mountain" incredibly moving and I'm sure he would have gone on to even greater things: And only 28. Here he is being interviewed by Ellen about that role, his daughter etc. Very sad.
4 comments:
It completely redefined what the word "cabaret" means to me!
That looks like so much fun!
For a moment I was wondering if Toby was the guy in high heels...
As for Heath Ledger, when I read his Wikipedia topic, I immediately realized he was acting in Terry Gilliam last movie... Therefore, I do think Terry Gilliam is cursed, since every time he wants to film something, everything goes wrong. Steve, do NEVER accept Terry's invitation to perform in a movie, if any, ok?
Ah, I's not the only one to think about it, though: http://bienbienbien.net/2008/01/24/heath-ledger-et-terry-alors/
Tin Foiled, as you did for me!! :-D Starman, it was! He's a real showman. Pierre-O, I know, I know. But don't worry, he hasn't asked me yet!!
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