Beyond Wildest Dreams
May 9th, 2006 . by mattCabaret Kiki’s first show last Thursday could not have gone better, for an opening night. Somehow it all came together, and some of it even at the last minute. Though the concept began at least a year ago, and some of us have been working on it practically for that long, the pieces seemed fit just right on Thursday. And the buzz about the show was “buzzier” than anything I’ve worked on. We sold out Tuesday’s show (tonight), almost a day later.
I’m bragging, but there’s a point. I just can’t believe that after all this time, all this hard work, it actually happened, and happened so well. The goal of this project, first and foremost, was to create an arts collective, just as they did at the end of the century in Paris. A group of artists that were dissatisfied with the way things were working, and the way things “had to be”. So Biv, Bill and I used any sort of clout we had to get the best dancers from the ballet theatre, the best musicians from the symphony and modern music group, the best writers and photographers, designers and even project managers. We wanted everyone to play nice, and make a little “art for art’s sake”. So we didn’t put any constraints on what was going to be happening. That’s the nice thing about a Cabaret… anything goes!
And it could have failed miserably. No one has made a dime from this show, yet. Everyone has worked for free, in their own free time. And there are so many of us; with so many artists banded together there is sure to be some element of melodrama. But somehow we escaped that. And since there was nothing but the love for the idea and the willingness to make it work, we were focused together, rather than fighting within.
It doesn’t change the world. It doesn’t change anyone’s careers, necessarily (more, though, about that on another post). But it did make a mark, and I really hope that we can keep that up. This town needs a swift kick in the ass. It needs motivation to strive for bigger and better things. We did, with Kiki, and thankfully, it’s working. And it’s so much fun.
i’m glad you are having fun. that’s one of the most important and often forgotten things in life.
I’ve heard nothing but incredible things about Cabaret Kiki - the music, the dancing, the costumes, the humor, the sexiness - it all sounds utterly amazing. To hear people say that this was the best production they’ve ever seen leaves the rest of us with a burning desire to see it. Evan’s talent with words never ceases to amaze me. Cary Ann’s voice rocks my world. Whatever you guys are doing to make this work, do keep it up. You’ve already got fans all over the country plotting road trips to see and hear the project with their own eyes and ears. Myself included!
I’m glad y’all are so pleased with how it’s going. I hope you can get some more dates! Megan (see above) and I need to have a reason to meet up in June
the show was amazing, i drove to charleston from greenville thursday afternoon with a friend…you and your music seem to bring us all together after a year of being apart in college. i think you’re amazing, and everyone you work with should feel blessed. i hope you guys keep the show going because i’d love to see it again and spread the word about you guys! i didn’t get a chance to purchase any merchandise at the show, is it available online?
You all have every reason to be proud- I was blown away. I can’t stop listening to the CD or talking about how great it is that y’all came together to do something different.
It sure paid off. Have fun with Kiki!
Funny that my comment directly follows that of my best friend, Megan (in NH). We’re planning a road trip down South again this summer and would love Love LOVE to make a CK show part of the experience. I have never in my life encountered anyone with so much tallent as the boys of JLC possessed, though I’m willing to be that the cast and crew of CK will be a very close second. The Yankees are coming…and we’d really like a little cabaret, please =)
i was a little suspicious about the cabaret just because there seemed to be so much hype surrounding it — but after seeing it tuesday, i’m very impressed. it really had the best of the best, and i don’t think i could ever express to anyone involved how excited y’all made me. the music initially blew me away. evan’s been kind of humble about that, but he absolutely amazes me. everything about the cabaret just fit, and all your hard work has most definitely pulled off. i just wish i could be a part of it in some way!
(i also didn’t think raw egg could be made that funnysexy, but you proved me wrong!)
Cheers to that, Matt! Quite an inspiring and encouraging testimony…..when I gather up enough balls, creative minds, and ammo–I hope to kick Greenville’s ass too. Keep it going–I love it.