Acquire a psychedelic glimpse into the curious mind of a rock ‘n’ roll revolutionary that crashed through the speakers of the 1960’s with the illicit music of The Doors in Jim Morrison: Kaleidoscope at fortyfive downstairs this January.
A one man circus takes centre stage as Luigi Lucente treats the audience to an unforgettable evening channeling the inimitable Jim Morrison; poet, prophet, shaman and showman.
Inspired by the words, poems and testimonies and life of Jim Morrison and set to the rocking carnival score of The Doors, featuring classic renditions of Touch Me, Light My Fire, Riders On The Storm, Break On Through (To The Other Side), People Are Strange and Love Her Madly.
Directed by Nicholas Christo, Kaleidoscope is an evocative fusion of text and song transporting the audience through the vaudeville of lives and loves by presenting the timeless art of Jim Morrison. A thought provoking soundscape vividly recreates for the listener the explosive decade that was the 1960’s using the trippy musical phrasing and apologetically raw lyrics that filled six albums of The Doors.
Toying with the curiosities of freedom and revolution in those who dare to speak and those who are moved when they listen. Audiences will respond immediately to the charisma and musical ability of Lucente to grab iconic rock classics by the throat and breathe new life into them as he flits between musical styles and instruments.
Capitalising on the enticing poetry and intoxicating prose of Jim Morrison, Kaleidoscope is a guided meditation for audiences to connect to him and his artistic voice through Lucente. The show both touches and entertains by allowing audiences to embrace the power of their imagination, the strength in their actions and the warmth in the humanity which unites us all.
Luigi is a diverse and dynamic young leading man – constantly in demand across stage and screen. He has just completed reprising his role as Leon Czolgosz in Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins for Watch This. Just prior, he played Leo Frank in The Collective’s Australian professional premiere of Jason Robert Brown’s Parade in Melbourne, garnering much attention and critical acclaim for his work in the lead role.
Aside from premiering his one-man show Jim Morrison: Kaleidoscope (Cabaret Soiree/His Majesty’s Theatre Perth), Luigi spent most of 2014 performing in the 40th Anniversary Australian tour of Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show (Ambassador Theatre Group/GFO).
Luigi has appeared as Pippin in Pippin (Magnormos – 2013 Theatre Pro Best Actor in a Musical Nomination), Leon Czolgosz in Assassins (Watch This) and Jamie in The Last Five Years (Theatreworks). Other stage credits include: International cast of Wicked (GFO), Jersey Boys (Newtheatricals/Dodgers) and Guys & Dolls (Ambassador/Donmar).
Luigi was also named a grand finalist in the prestigious ANZ Rob Guest Endowment for 2011. Concert/Cabaret appearances include: Stephen Schwartz – In Conversation, Twisted Broadway 2013/14, An Evening with Lance Horne and touring as Tenor Soloist with the Victorian Concert Orchestra.
Screen credits include roles in Neighbours and The Pacific alongside a number of short films and commercials. An enthusiastic musician and songwriter, Luigi constantly performs and records in a range of music projects.
In recent news, 2015 will see Luigi lead the Australian premiere of Dogfight at the Hayes Theatre in Sydney. Based on the movie of the same name starring River Phoenix, Luigi will fill those boots as Corporal Eddie Birdlace.
Jim Morrison: Kaleidoscope
fortyfive Downstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Season: 21 – 25 January 2015 – 8.30pm
Bookings: (03) 9662 9966 or online at: www.fortyfivedownstairs.com
For more information, visit: www.luigilucente.com.au for details.
Image: Luigi Lucente in Jim Morrison: Kaleidoscope – photo by Sarah Walker