Countdown to the Adelaide Cabaret Festival; Day 7: Michael Griffiths

Currently performing in "Jersey Boys" in Sydney, Michael Griffiths presents "In Vogue: Songs by Madonna". Michael has previously toured with "Priscilla Queen of the Desert", "We Will Rock You!" and as a member of the original Australian cast of "Shout!".

Like a virgin, Adelaide's own Michael Griffiths makes his hometown cabaret debut as Madonna. No accent, costume or wig. Just ‘Madge' accompanying himself at the piano, leading you on a journey through her tough life and tender songs.

We put Michael in the Cabaret hot-seat with 10 questions in 10 minutes:

1. What are you looking forward to most about coming to the Adelaide Cabaret Festival?

I grew up in Adelaide and left in 1997 so first and foremost I'm looking forward to coming home. This is my Adelaide Cabaret Festival debut and I'm so excited about singing to a home crowd and catching as many shows as I can. The line up is incredible!

2. What has been your biggest learning curve so far working as a professional performer?

I think working in this industry requires a little bit of luck, some talent, but mostly it requires persistence! There are no shortcuts when it comes to singing especially, you just gotta keep at it. I also think that to stay alive in this business you never really stop learning.

3. What has it been like preparing the show, as well as performing in "Jersey Boys"?

I'm a swing in "Jersey Boys" which means I understudy 6 different roles and perform them all as needed. In a normal week I'll do about 4 shows, and rarely the same role. This not only keeps me on my toes but happily gives me some time at work to be arranging Madonna songs at the piano when I'm not on! Dean Bryant (my writer/director) lives in Melbourne and I live in Sydney so for a few months now we've been collaborating online and over the phone. We're in the same room with a piano next week finally when (fingers crossed) it all comes together. I'm really proud of my work on all her songs and dean has a wicked tongue and a director's sensibility for structure and storytelling so I have absolute faith the show will be something really special.

4. What can audiences expect from In Vogue?

Audiences can expect to be in the presence of pop genius. No one has an ear for pop like Madge. I also think she has never really been given the credit she deserves for being a brave and clever lyricist.

5. What do you think "Cabaret" is and why is it different to any other performance art?

I think cabaret allows an audience a unique intimacy with a performer like no other. It's performing at it's most immediate and primal and there's nowhere to hide and no room for trickery. When all the elements come together there's nothing else quite like it!

6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

No idea where, but pretty sure I'll be singing.

7. What would be your advice to young people wanting to break into the industry?

You can't have too many skills in this business. Soak up everything life has to offer; you won't know what you are good at until you give it a bash. As I said before, persistence is going to serve you better in the long run than talent alone.

8. What has been your greatest achievement so far?

My biggest thrill onstage so far has been performing 'Felicia' in "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" alongside Tony Sheldon and Todd McKenney in Sydney. Absolute magic.

9. Who have been your greatest influences as a performer?

My first LP (that's a record for you youngsters, big black primitive CDs) was Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and I think it changed my life. Pop music can do that.

10. Who are your top 5 picks for the 2011 Adelaide Cabaret Festival.

In no particular order,
1. Bryan Batt. I'm a huge Mad Men fan and very excited to see him in cabaret mode.
2. Olivia Newton-John. A real superstar.
3. Josie Lane. She has an incredible voice and singing Bette Midler songs in a bathhouse - divine!
4. Mark Nadler. Missed him last time he was in Adelaide but I hear he is simply incredible.
5. Chita Rivera. Caught her last time she was in Sydney, Chita is the real deal. A living legend.

Michael Griffiths
In Vogue: Song by Madonna
15 - 17 June
8.15pm (15), 8.30pm (16) & 7pm (17)
Tickets Adult $29 Concession $25
More information here: http://www.adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au/Michael-Griffiths.aspx?showid=40

 

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