A first date takes an unexpected turn when it’s discovered both Veronika and Benjamin have a history with the same man…
OK, we’re hooked already.
This is the perilous premise of the new musical cabaret, It Was All Him, that’s ready to hit the stage in June as part of the Adelaide Cabaret Fringe Festival. Presented by Preachrs Podcast OnLine & OnStage, this musical adventure features songs as diverse as rock, musical theatre hits and pop classics.
Keen to learn more about this dating and musical extravaganza, Sam About Town spoke with Benjamin Maio Mackay, the artistic director of Preachrs Podcast OnLine & OnStage:
SAT: Thanks for joining us Benjamin. Let’s jump right in with the question that’s foremost on our lips. The date! Sounds like a drama that could take on many twists and turns as the history is revealed.
How did you come up with the idea and is it based on personal experience? (she asks cheekily) 😉
BMM: Haha! So many people have asked if this is based on a true story and unfortunately the answer is no. It’s just something that seemed so potentially plausible – and does create great drama on stage! Though we haven’t actually ever gone back to check through our dating history so…who knows ?
The concept originated from us brainstorming a little earlier in the year, looking for a post Fringe project and an appropriate avenue to perform it in. Once we were aware of the fantastic Cabaret fringe festival we started honing in on ideas, but wanted to avoid anything too conventional/overdone – so we kept away from love stories and ended up with jealousy, heartbreak and drama. Perfect for cabaret!
SAT: This is of course a cabaret musical and so the song choices and music would be integral to telling the story. Could you tell us more about that?
BMM: Absolutely, we built a basic narrative arc before investigating some song choices that would fit within that – there’ll be new arrangements of songs audiences may be very familiar with, a mashup or two, some obscure musical theatre and at least one Alanis Morissette song (that’s really just to appease my need to sing one of her incredible tunes!)
SAT: Devised and co-starring yourself and Veronika, you both bring so much experience in performing, writing and producing. Can you tell us about how you met, the way you complement each other and what you love about working together?
BMM: How we met is quite amusing, years back it was closing night of an Adelaide Fringe and we had some mutual friends, so we were in a group chatting – then our friends bailed and Fringe Club eventually closed. As I was about to leave I was politely “kidnapped” (aka put in the back of a cab and asked told I was going to a house party)…So the motto is if you follow strangers back to house parties in a cab you’ll definitely end up doing a cabaret with them in a few years time, right?
In the years since we’ve become very good friends and it’s always a joy getting to work with someone you’re close to. It makes the whole creative process more enjoyable when you can share it with a friend. It’s also nice not having the entire responsibility of coming up with a show yourself!
Veronika and Benjamin in It Was All Him
SAT: What type of audience would you expect to appeal to this musical? Is it suitable for children?
BMM: It’s a 15+ show, there is some coarse language and sexual references, so it’s not for young children. I would say the primary target audience will be people between 20-40, who may be able to relate to some of the experiences and emotions in the show – but I hope people of all walks of life will enjoy!
SAT: Will there be COVID safe measures that people need to be aware of?
BMM: Our venue is still running at a limited capacity so patrons don’t have to wear masks. Obviously people still need to check in and use sanitiser and most importantly stay home if unwell!
SAT:Is there a message or a feeling you hope your audience will take away with them?
BMM: Good question, I don’t think there’s a message I’d like them to take away as much as I’d just like our audiences to enjoy live theatre again and not take it for granted. Australia is still in such a privileged position globally when it comes to our ability to safely attend live performances, I just hope audiences enjoy that privilege as much as I know Veronika and I are currently enjoying being able to perform.
SAT: With 3 shows only, we recommend people book quickly. Details are below including a fantastic earlybird offer.Thanks Benjamin – we wish you all the best with the show!
BMM:Thanks so much Sam, can’t wait for another exciting festival season!
It Was All Him plays three shows only: June 11 at 8pm and June 12 2pm & 8pm at Arthur Bar on Currie Street.
Tickets are on sale via the Cabaret Fringe site at the early bird price of $20 until May 1 with the code “EARLYBIRD.” https://cabaretfringefestival.com/it-was-all-him
