“an innately likeable natural comedian and raconteur…a wonderful role model for the art of engaging an audience” Sydney Morning Herald
After four sold-out Sydney shows and a short run at London’s Vaudeville Theatre, Alan Cumming is heading back Down Under with a limited return season of his exquisitely personal cabaret show I Bought A Blue Car Today.
Described as "a charming mix of song, banter and showbiz anecdote" by Australian critics, the respected Scottish stage and screen actor will be accompanied by musical director Lance Horne on piano and a cellist. Cumming’s electric and eclectic track list promises to be as full of surprises as the man himself.
Moving songs about moving on, he will muse over the last 10 years of his life in America. From Dolly Parton, Elton John and Mika to Chess, Falsettos and Garfunkel, Cumming will interpret what he calls “the queer songbook” – a diverse range of Broadway tunes and popular songs mixed up with camp conversation and storytelling.
“Pure, undiluted entertainment…a fusion of passion and cheekiness that is utterly magnetic” The Daily Telegraph
Timed to coincide with a CD release of the same name, this is an excellent opportunity to get up-close to Cumming in the intimate Sydney Opera House Studio – the show is expected to sell out quickly.
Cumming will then return to New York to start rehearsing the Broadway musical Spiderman: Turn off the Dark. With music and lyrics by Bono and the Edge, Cumming will play the Green Goblin alongside rising Hollywood star Evan Rachel Wood.
Perhaps best known for his supporting roles in the Hollywood films, it is on the stage that he shines.
Cumming recently played the debauched, divine rock god Dionysus in The Bacchae, won a Tony Award for his performance as the Emcee in the highly successful revival of Cabaret and wowed London’s critics for his portrayal of Hamlet.
He has also hosted Saturday Night Live, formed his own production company, directed films and written the semi-autobiographical novel, Tommy’s Tale. He currently has seven films in the pipeline.
Cumming’s activism and passion for various civil rights and sex education causes has earned him many humanitarian awards including an OBE, two Human Rights Campaign awards, GLAAD’s Vito Russo media award and the Trevor Project Hero Award.
He became an American citizen in 2008 (he holds dual citizenship with the United Kingdom) and the show’s title refers to a question asked to prove his prowess in English for his naturalisation ceremony.