NOTES FROM UNDERGROUND

One thing Sydney does very well, it must be said, is cabaret. An artform that is big, brassy, histrionic and emotional somehow well suits a city that exhibits much the same character traits.

This happy coincidence has not escaped the notice of many overseas performers. The latest is a New York-based musician, singer and bon vivant, David Raleigh, a fellow rather well known in the classier joints of Manhattan.

Mr Raleigh has decided to escape the bitter cold of a New York winter and spend the festive season in Sydney. Once a New Yorker, always a New Yorker, however – and the performer has opted to gather together lots of his Aussie cabaret mates and stage a night of song and story at The Basement called A New York Christmas.

Joining the star on stage on Wednesday, December 21, will be, among others, Bobby Fox from Jersey Boys, Trevor Ashley from Hairspray, Sally Cameron from Idea of North, and Margi de Ferranti, who has starred in, well, just about everything, including Les Mis, Grease and Mamma Mia.

Also coming to the aid of the party is pianist and songwriter Nathan Leigh Jones. Although formally based in Sydney, Mr Jones has become a frequent collaborator with Mr Raleigh, making frequent trips to New York to join him at club gigs. He also produced Mr Raligh’s latest album, ‘Beginning Again’.

The show, which will have appropriately Christmas-themed and metropolitan content, will also feature (we are told) guest appearances from some other rather well known luvvy types. All up it should be a cracker of a night – a perfect excuse to dine out in the week before the big day, put on the glad rags and sip a martini or two.

We have four double passes to give away. To score one simply phone The Basement box office on 9251 2797 during office hours.

For a full list of shows at The Basement: www.thebasement.com.au

Contact the writer: amasterson@thebasement.net.au