Who is Mark Nadler?
My tragically overworked psychologist and I are still trying to figure this out!! But I can say, without hesitation, that Mark Nadler is a pianist, a singer, a tap dancer and a comedian – a neo-Vaudevillian – an all around entertainer. He also drinks a lot.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I guess the main thing I’d do differently, if I had the opportunity, is I’d make Adelaide my home. I absolutely love Adelaide and I’ve always had a blast every time I’ve been here!!
Who inspires you and why?
I’m inspired by SO MANY! My influences range from Bette Midler – because she knows how to throw a party and get right to the very heart of her audience – to Louis Armstrong – because the very sound of his voice feels like the warmest hug – to Lotte Lenya – because she was a supreme story teller in song. And SO MANY others. I guess it’s telling that I don’t tend to be inspired by contemporary pop artists.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
That’s a very serious question and it deserves a serious answer. For me it’s not a “what WOULD you do” but a “what DO you do…” I volunteer when I can to feed the homeless, I’ve taught music in homeless shelters (also volunteer) and I’ve been on the board of an organisation that brings arts programs to underprivileged youth.
I also have been a poll worker (helping with the American presidential elections) and I’m very active politically. I am a fierce defender of LGBTQ+ rights and I am very active in that fight. I also am DEEPLY committed to the idea that happy audiences make for a better world and I try to spread unmitigated joy with my work.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Frankly my favourite holiday is a stay-cation. I have a beautiful home with a heavenly husband and a magnificent dog. I’m on the road a LOT, so I don’t get to be with them as much as I would like. (What I’d like is to be with them ALL THE TIME.)
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I always take them for drinks at Sardi’s so they can see that there really is a caricature of me on the wall with all the other famous faces.
What are you currently reading?
A book called DIRT by Bill Buford. It’s about a New York Times reporter (himself) who goes to Lyon to learn the secrets of French cooking.
What are you currently listening to?
I’m currently listening non-stop to the songs I have to re-learn that I’ll be performing in Adelaide this week!
Happiness is?
Being on stage at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. I know that sounds like I’m blowing hot air up the skirt of the folks that run the festival, but I’ve never had a better time than when I’ve performed at that festival.
What does the future hold for you?
WHO KNOWS? I DO know that I’ll be in Adelaide. After that, lots of other bookings around the globe. I’ve also been nominated for the Trophée de la Théâtre Musicale, which is essentially the Parisian Helpmann Awards. (I was in a show in Paris earlier this year.) I’ll find out whether I won or not while I’m in Adelaide. One thing that I HOPE is in my future is some time before I die, I intend to pay off my mortgage!
Mark is performing at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2023: The Old Razzle Dazzle on Thursday 15 June (9.15pm); and Hootenanny – the late night variety show on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 June (10.30pm). Both shows play in the Banquet Room – Adelaide Festival Centre. For more information, visit: www.adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au for details.
Image: Mark Nadler – photo by Helane Blumfield