Where darkness and joy meet over a bowl of borscht, Marika Aubrey performs The Last of the Red Hot Mamas for the first time in Perth at His Majesty’s Theatres’ Cabaret Soiree 25 – 27 September.
Born dirt poor in 1884 Ukraine, Sophie Tucker overcame humble beginnings to become an oversexed, outspoken, outrageous star of vaudeville in the roaring 20’s. Born in the same year, in a neighbouring village Fedko Kryczko is born and eventually fled to Australia.
Cabaret star Marika Aubrey and Fedko’s great grand-daughter, tells tales of her own from a country that got left behind and sings the red hot music from Sophie’s brilliant career.
Featuring a 3-piece jazz band under the musical direction of Bev Kennedy, The Last of the Red Hot Mamas transports audiences to a 1920s speakeasy complete with red hot three piece jazz band playing Sophie’s vaudeville hits including Nobody Loves A Fat Girl, Put Your Arms Around Me Honey, Hello My Baby, The Man I Love, After You’ve Gone.
Sophie Tucker was a Ukrainian-born American singer, comedian, actress, and radio personality. Known for her bold delivery of comical and risqué songs, she was a trail blazer for female performers and was one of the most popular entertainers in America during the first half of the 20th century. She was widely known by the nickname “The Last of the Red Hot Mamas” and features on the popular HBO TV series Boardwalk Empire.
“Sophie Tucker was a woman so boldly ahead of her time, says said Marika Aubrey. “A strong broad that sang about sexual appetite and financial independence – in the 1920’s!”
“She was born in Ukraine in the same year as my own great grandfather I knew I could create something that was sassy and entertaining, as well as deeply personal and story driven. It has been a joy to create a piece that connects with audiences so tangibly.”
Apart from her roles on TV, film and theatre, Marika’s solo cabaret work includes the critically acclaimed CAUTION: Aggressive Birds which saw her named Best Cabaret Performer 2009. REDHEAD premiered at The Adelaide Cabaret Festival in 2010, touring to NYC and across Australia to great success.
In 2010, Marika performed with Liz Callaway & Stephen Schwartz in a concert of his work – Stephen Schwartz & Friends, as well as headlining in a concert with renowned composers Georgia Stitt & John Bucchino. Marika toured NSW in lead roles in I Love You, You’re Perfect and was honoured to join the workshop cast of James Millar & Pete Rutherford’s new musical A Little Touch of Chaos and opposite Rob Mills in The Last Five Years. In 2012-13 Marika performed in South Pacific for Opera Australia.
The Last of the Red Hot Mamas
Cabaret Soiree – His Majesty’s Theatre, Hay Street, Perth
Season: 25 – 27 September 2014
Bookings: 1300 795 012 or www.ticketek.com.au
For more information, visit: www.hismajestystheatre.com.au for details.
Image: Marika Aubrey