Aurélie Roque presents International Premiere of RUBY SLIPPER CHRONICLES

KANSAS CITY native Aurélie Roque has transformed her amusing parallels with the Wizard of Oz' Dorothy into an original and intriguing cabaret, Ruby Slipper Chronicles premiering on June 3 and 4 at Hayward Street Studios, Brisbane.

The one-woman cabaret, co-presented by Theatremakers, with music direction by Luke Volker, will tell the stories of the trials, turmoil and triumphs Aurélie faced when she hitched up her blue and white checks en route to Australia four years ago.

"I left Kansas for the land of 'Aus' during a tornado, hand to God, and I've since faced a few 'lions, tigers and bears' while starting a new life in Australia. It's been quite the journey with lots of successes, but not without some challenges and dysfunction along the way," she said.

"But all decent stories have that silver lining, or I guess in this case, 'ruby' lining. Ruby Slipper Chronicles has all the incredible moments in overcoming the ordeals, my lions, while building support through new friends, my Tinman and Scarecrow."

Cleverly connected by thrilling, hilarious and evocative anecdotes and narrated musically through excitingly tweaked and transformed musical theatre, pop tunes and a small, "Toto-sized dash of country", the cabaret is bound to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

"The repertoire has been drawn from a variety of my favourite genres and thoughtfully twisted by myself, my MD Luke, and even my husband, to guide the narrative. I wanted to ensure this show was an original theatre production; the audience will recognise some of the songs, but others are a little more leftfield," Aurélie said.

It has been an eventful journey for Aurélie since she touched down in Australia and in this time, she has become a staple addition to the Brisbane and Gold Coast's theatre scenes with credits including Joanne in Rent (Matt Ward Entertainment), Morticia Addams in The Addams Family Musical (Brisbane Arts Theatre), Boy & Girl (Oscar Theatre Company) and Bloodbath (Dracula's Cabaret).

Aurélie is also a voice and musical theatre teacher and recently choreographed the 24 Hour Musical Project's Kiss Me Kate, while continuing her creative work on the Theatremakers team.

"This isn't the first full cabaret I've written, but it is the first time I've felt that I didn't choose the story - the story chose me. It's strangely satisfying to showcase my personal story in an exciting way through drawing on the parallels of Dorothy's adventures," she said.

"The result is a cabaret with unpredictable twists and turns - and I promise you this - heels will be stolen and witches will be defeated. I mean really, in a country where just about everything is poisonous, I'm surprised she lasted this long! I guess there really is no place like AUS."

Tickets are on sale via http://www.haywardstreet.com.au/ with general admission - $30, concession - $25 and groups of 10 or more - $27. Hayward Street Studios is located at 57 Hayward Street, Stafford.

For more information visit www.rubyslipperchronicles.com, or follow the journey on Facebook - @Rubyslipperchronicles or Instagram - @rubyslipperchroniclescabaret. Please note, this cabaret contains strong language and adult content.

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