Capital Times, What's on in Wellington

winesale.co.nz

10 February 2012

St James turns cabaret

2/12/2009 11:15:00 a.m.

Jane Keller, with Carey MacDonald on piano, Cabaret St James Theatre, reviewed by Garth Wilshere

IT was enterprising of the St James Theatre to turn their upstairs gallery space into an intimate cabaret venue for four nights.
With seating, candle-lit tables, waiters, food and bar service, softening curtains, screens and plants, atmosphere was created. On Friday they kicked off the season with an outstanding night with Jane Keller, an ex-pat American singer and teacher who has been quietly carving out a place on the local music scene.
Her trademark style is to present songs from the shows built in to a quasi-autobiographical story. But don’t expect the blockbusters; her selection is always eclectic and in Friday night’s show she only sang one that was even marginally well known – Sondheim’s I’m still here.
The remainder, though less well known, were certainly worth getting to know. Keller knows how to sell a song as she took us through highs and lows of relationships, presenting both comic and serious songs with style, wit and charm.
The large crowd greeted her performance with the acclaim it deserved, and as an encore were treated to a, stylish version of the Peggy Lee standard Fever with husband Dick Keller adding drum taps.
Throughout the evening she was ably accompanied by pianist Carey McDonald.
The other shows of the cabaret season look equally enticing. This Thursday sees a performance by Bella Kalolo.

Cover Story

Best of Wellington 2011

Fringe Festival

Briefs

  • From police to employers chamber

    JOHN Wills has been appointed as interim chief executive of the Employers Chamber of Commerce (ECCC), effective immediately.

  • Save the Rhino

    A concert this weekend features local performers including Jomba, Skapiti, and Siggy. It is part of an international awareness day to support the petition to the South African government to stop rhino poaching. The Waterfront, Marine Parade, Raumati Beach, 11 February.

  • Jazzy clouds

    The first performance of  jazz musician Mike Nock’s choral work Land of the Long White Cloud will be sung by the Orpheus Choir at Soundings Theatre,  Te Papa, 18 February. It’s a free concert and only expected to last about 10minutes.

  • On board

    CONRAD Smith, the new Hurricanes captain has rejoined the team after an extended RWC break, in time for the sellout pre-season game at Managatainoka this Saturday.

  • Share the vision, free

    SIR Paul Callaghan a trustee of Zealandia, formerly the Karori bird sanctuary will give a talk about the vision and importance of the sanctuary for New Zealand. Rutherford House lecture theatre1, 5.40pm, February 13.

  • Indian art money

    MORE than a dozen locals are showing and selling their art, at that well known art space, Betty’s Bar on Blair St, to fundraise for the Karunai Dhan primary school in India. From 5pm, February 10.

  • Star signs

    INTERNATIONAL astrologer Faye Cossar, a former Wellingtonian is visiting the city to conduct workshops and a public talk. Cossar is unusual in that she holds a Masters degree in astrology. February 14.

  • The Great Outdoors

    GREATER Wellington’s Great Outdoors summer events programme continues this week with a daughter, mother, grandmother mountain bike ride at Belmont Regional Park on February 12 and an evening guided walk from East Harbour Regional Park on February 8.

  • Swimming challenge

    SWIMMERS looking for a challenge can take up the long-distance summer swim challenge at Wellington City Council pools.
    Participants have until April 30 to swim or aquajog 53 kilometres, the distance equivalent to doing a circuit of Lake Mead in Nevada.
    The distance covered is recorded by pool staff and there are spot prizes along the way.

  • On your skates

    SOME of the world’s best skaters are in town for Bowl-a-Rama 2012, a week long celebration of skateboard culture.
    The competition is at Waitangi Skate Park on February 11, but there are additional events throughout from February 8 to 12, including an art exhibition by local and international skateboarders at 15 Courtenay Place.

  • Safer outdoors

    A new website has been created to make planning for safe outdoor activities easier.
    AdventureSmart,org.nz provides safety information and support for those planning land, snow, water, boating and air activities.

  • Sommerfest

    SOMMERFEST, Wellington’s family-friendly food and beer festival, takes place in the Worser Bay Boating Club on February 26.
    The annual festival offers a range of boutique beers matched with great food tastes.
    Breaking with tradition this year there will also be margaritas from 5pm.

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