Cab Sav: A Savvy Cabaret

If you are in Dunedin 13 – 17 July, do not miss Ad Hoc Productions’ Cab Sav: a Savvy Cabaret. This contemporary cabaret-theatre show offers mid-winter conviviality with some pre-election contemplation, as it mixes the genres and gives a nod to 1930s Berlin, a sly nudge and a wink to ragtime and jazz, and a bow to popular music. Ad Hoc Productions harnesses a rare mix of Dunedin talent, blending satire, live music, dance, puppetry and comedy, to present a wacky and original cabaret, for its 5 show mid-winter season in the Deep South.

Irreverent, risqué and highly entertaining. This defiant cabaret meditates on the sins, hypocrisy and shortfalls of the human condition and combines an exquisite tension of humour, romance, nostalgia and the political that will raise an eyebrow, have you in stitches, and leave you breathless. Cab Sav takes its audience on a rip-roaring ride through the sublime and the ridiculous in true Dunedin style!

Cab Sav is best served at room temperature, may offend and may contain nudity (yours)!

It’s the latest offering by producer/director and performer, Karin Reid, and a first under the umbrella of newly formed performing arts initiative, Ad Hoc Productions. For this premiere season, the project has attracted an exciting and eclectic mix of performers including: dancers Ana Martino and Hahna Briggs; performance artists Sandra Muller and Alice McKenzie; irreverent comedienne and storyteller Kaitrin McMullen; actor Kiri Beeching and comedian Richard West. The vocal textures of Karin Reid and Jimmy Currin are hung together by the musical virtuosity of jazz pianist, Will Martin (Resonance Trio), and cellist/guitarist, Jimmy Currin (Ray Off), who render a variety of surprising covers and original music.

Ad Hoc Productions turns the unique As Is Performance Space into an atmospheric and intimate theatre venue for the season that features cabaret-style tables and raised seating. While audiences mull their senses on Cab Sav’s provocative bouquet, they will also be able to sup on a range of wines, Emerson’s beer and other refreshment from the bar, held in the grungy glamour of the As Is Performance Space for this special occasion, and run by some of the infamous hosts of the much-loved Mou Very bar.

Where Bob Fosse meets Kurt Weill and where Punch & Judy meets the backbenchers - if you want to warm the proverbial cockles, or go somewhere different to celebrate the chilly season (and spend your electricity bill money) with your friends and colleagues, Cab Sav: A Savvy Cabaret at the As Is Performance Space, is the place to be.

Welcome to the cabaret! Come in from the cold and leave your troubles at the door.