Actor, playwright, performer, screenwriter and director John Cameron Mitchell is back in Australia.
The 'Hedwig And The Angry Inch' writer will be presenting a cabaret show exclusively for Brisbane fans, showcasing his years of stage and screen experience in a one-night-only performance where he'll also be providing a 'drunk director's commentary' to 'Hedwig'.
John is also in Australia filming an upcoming 'Tiger King' adaptation.
Before he hits the stage, John has a quick chat with us about what to expect in the show.
What exactly will you be presenting in this one-off show?
I happen to be in Brisbane to play Joe Exotic in a 'Tiger King' series adaptation. I'll be at The Tivoli doing Barry Manilow, some 'Hedwig' songs and a couple new songs including a Joe Exotic song I cowrote with Aussie composer Brett Every.
What are you looking forward to about bringing this to Brisbane?
I had an absolute blast at QPAC. Probably the best audience I had in Australia. So I'm expecting just as good. I'll also invite my 'Tiger King' cast and crew so we can have an impromptu launch party!
Why do you think cabaret is such an effective performance style?
Cabaret is perhaps my favourite form of performance. The room tends to be intimate, there's just enough alcoholic lubrication, the vibe is personal and spontaneous. It just rocks! Performers like Amber Martin, Justin Vivian Bond, Bridget Everett, Alan Cumming, Cole Escola and the Lady Rizo all sprang from the same alt cab NYC fountain. Melbourne's Meow Meow is our honorary New Yorker.
Describe the show using a lyric from any song you’d like.
"Any day now... any day now (July 6 to be exact), you shall be released."
John, you’re going to be filming a limited series while you’re in Australia. Tell us a bit about that.
The 'Tiger King' dramatisation will delve into the more personal lives of Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin (Kate McKinnon) instead of the rubbernecky sensationalism of the docuseries. I'm psyched to play a queer antihero who ended up not only imitating his redneck oppressors but outdoing them at their own game.
John Cameron Mitchell plays The Tivoli (Brisbane) 6 July.
