"If you're looking for a bit of an escape, Cab Suave is the place to go!" Abby Kelso on Sparkle Society's reimagining of film noir with a circus twist
If you’ve been missing your regular live performance hit of late, rising circus collective, Sparkle Society, is here to dazzle and kick off the 2022 live performance season with their latest production, Cab Suave.
Sparkle Society was founded in 2019 by established circus performers Latonya Wigginton and Abby Kelso from their shared desire to “be the change you wish to see in the world" and create work for themselves and other artists that better aligned with their values. They focus on some of the things we loved to see at NEHIB - employing artists at a fair wage and with transparent communication, making live performanances as accessible and joyful as possible and representing LGBTQIA+ performers and facilitating opportunities for queer artists be able to perform in commercial settings while still being unapologetically themselves.
So, with all this in mind, we had to hear more about their latest production, Cab Suave. Abby, the co-director and co-producer of the show alongside Latonya dished to NEHIB about how the show came about and what sordid secrets the audience can expect to be revealed when they visit the Cab Suave.
Jack Wilde & Laney Mejias. Image: Chris Bennett, Underground Media. Cover Image: KTB Media & EmmelineD Photography.
Tell us about Cab Suave in 100 words or less
A little party never killed nobody...
Join Dick Johnson as he investigates Cabaret Suave, a questionable establishment run by four scandalous dames. Employed by an elderly well-endowed client who’d like to see the cabaret shut down for good, will Dick prevail or will the performers of Cabaret Suave live to dazzle another day? With spectacular circus acts and live music, Sparkle Society transports you back in time in this film noir circus show.
How did your idea for this show come about? How is does it compare to other shows and performances you've done?
We are big fans of vintage aesthetics, but not of the pesky vintage values that often go along with them. As a result, Cab Suave aims to capture the sordid and sultry feel of classic film noir without the misogyny that usually goes along with it. We have really focussed on bringing audiences into the atmosphere of the show, with detailed costumes, set, and lighting.
In this show, we've also combined thrilling acrobatics with theatre and live music, to tell a full story that is fun and engaging. The mix of art forms is pretty new for us, but it's very fun and we're excited to see what people think.
What can audiences expect from Cab Suave? How is it different from other circus cabarets punters might have seen?
Cab Suave isn't just a cabaret, it has a full storyline that will have you engaged and wanting to know what happens next, and interesting characters with personality and charm. Combining circus with live music and theatre, it's cheesy and funny and doesn't take itself too seriously. If you're looking for a bit of an escape after the last few years, Cab Suave is the place to go!
Winter Chapman on Roue Cyr. Image: Chris Bennett, Underground Media.
Who is your perfect audience member? Who is going to LOVE this event?
Members of the queer community will love the representation in this show, but it's really for everyone. Lovers of vintage aesthetics and live music will have a great time. There are some slightly mature themes, so it's recommended for ages 12+.
Is there anything else we simply MUST know about the show?
Many notepads were harmed in the making of this production.
Cab Suave plays at the Ron Hurley Theatre, Seven Hills from 21-22 January. Check out the trailer here.
