Craig McLachlan makes a triumphant return to the big stage in a mad-capped cabaret show in the Black Box Theatre at Spiegel Haus Melbourne. As the star attraction, one should never forget what a natural and talented performer he is. McLachlan sings up a storm and acts up beautifully. He leans heavily (and commendably) into the risqué, 18+ material and makes it his own.
McLachlan has an easy-going rapport with the enthusiastic audience, making the most of the healthy number of double entendres that are integral to the offering. He plays Dr Schadenfreude, a medico involved in some decided quackery, treating patients with a variety of ailments. Alongside him is nurse Von Helga (Stellar Perry), who brings her glorious vocals to bear on Wind Beneath My Wings, among other tunes. But, truth be told, Von Helga is also a dominatrix.
The pleasure/pain nexus is a critical component of this fun-filled, tongue-in-cheek show. Of course, a definition of schadenfreude is the experience of pleasure that comes from learning about the troubles, pain or humiliation of others.
Kristian Lavercombe is cast as chronically nervous and apprehensive Hanz Ziety, when he visits the good doctor. He later reappears as the most famous psychoanalyst of all time. Magnus Danger Magnus plays a physician magician who has a bad case of the runs. He too makes a later appearance – in his case having shed all his inhibitions. Oh my! Van Nguyen is a bespectacled ventriloquist who is about to be separated – by chainsaw – from “her” twin.
Brendan Irving and Janet Mayer are an accomplished duet on the aerial ring. Irving and Monsters kINC also play out the most bizarre date, with Monsters kINC dressed to the nines as an eye-catching praying mantis who stakes out her territory. Apart from the roles I have already outlined, the six are all part of an ensemble that harmonises delightfully and makes all the right dance moves.
All this, with some particularly catchy songs – covers and original numbers – to the strains of an engaging and entertaining band. Its members have an important role to play in giving Dr Schadenfreude a bit of curry and that goes down a treat. I speak of Sarah Nandagopan on keys and the musical director. Her husband, Jayan, is on trombone. Marc Lucchesi is on sax and his brother, Luca, on bass. On guitar is Kumar Shome, with Kane Watts on drums. Music supervision is by Vanessa Scammell.
The costuming, in a palette of black, white, grey, maroon and red , too, is worthy of mention – some of it sexy and salacious. And the stage is populated by resonant, older style wooden furnishings and a large world globe. On the night I attended, McLachlan not only delivered the way he always has, but proved how adept he was at handling two patrons who were overly refreshed. As it was, audience interaction gave the production extra bite.
Written by Marc Lucchesi and Sarah and Jay Nandagopan, Schadenfreude Cabaret is a heady mix of music, burlesque, circus, magic and comedy. It is off the wall material that generates plenty of laughs for the broad minded, at whom the show is aimed. As it beds down, its pacing will undoubtedly quicken, which is the one area they still need to work on, but it is important to note that I attended a preview. Still, there was much to enjoy and no shortage of surprises. Always love those.
And, to return to where I started, it was so good to see that Craig McLachlan hasn’t lost his edge and is back in fine form. Two hours including interval, Schadenfreude Cabaret is on at the Black Box Theatre at Spiegel Haus Melbourne until year’s end.
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Blanc de Blanc Encore (Strut & Fret), at Spiegel Haus Melbourne – cabaret review (warning: contains some coarse content)
- Maho Magic Bar, at Spiegel Haus Melbourne – magic review
Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.