‘Cab Suave’ // CIRCFest Meanjin
‘Cab Suave’ was a tour de force.
A private investigator undercover, a sultry group of femme fatales, a sparkly but shadowy nightclub from film noir, all tied together with breathtaking circus, music and performance. Sound like a good time? Sparkle Society’s latest touring production, ‘Cab Suave’, burst into the Judith Wright Centre as part of Brisbane’s inaugural CIRCFest. Like a Hitchcock film crossed with ‘Chicago’, this high energy show is one for the bucket list.
‘Cab Suave’ follows a private investigator with more on his mind than justice, Dick Johnson, as he investigates the questionable establishment of Cabaret Suave, where dodgy deals and suspicious happenings have caught his attention. He is quickly drawn into the cinema-esque world of the four alluring dames who run the club, and must decide between completing his investigation or submitting to their seductive charms. Adding to the high stakes drama, each of the dames has their own special act, ranging from aerial performances to ring and fire tricks. Even PI Johnson shared his own specialties, including juggling and a ladder-balancing act. The show was originally performed at the Ron Hurley Theatre in January, before touring to Melbourne’s Midsumma Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Adelaide Fringe Festival, where it won the Pick of the Fringe award.
Welcoming us into Cabaret Suave was the suitably mysterious and vibrant lighting design, which stood out as a highlight of the show. Its shifting colors and shadows were a treat to watch, including the opening scene where the silhouettes of the characters were framed against a blinding beam of light. Together with a jazzy soundtrack that brought old-timey renditions of Fiona Apple’s ‘Criminal’ and Fergie’s ‘A Little Party Never Killed Nobody’ to name a few, this was a beautifully designed show that struck a brilliant balance between a smoke-filled bar and a disco party.
Director and cast member Latonya Wiggington breathed new life into the crime-drama genre by putting the spotlight on queer relationships rather than expected tropes. PI Johnson was a great vehicle for this, and I constantly found myself rolling my eyes at his suggestive jokes. The show placed the detective (and us) in a “watch and learn” position as the other characters confidently showed him the ropes of their establishment and their way of life.
The performances in this show dazzled and delighted. As someone who chews their nails off all through circus shows, it was worth it in the end. Winter Cyan’s giant ring trick at the top was incredibly memorable and captivating, the aerial work with a rope and swing by Abby Kelso and Wiggington was executed gracefully, and that’s not to mention the oodles of hula hooping and hip swiveling! Meanwhile, Jack Wilde as Dick Johnson mesmerized by juggling enough random items to make my head spin! However, the icing on the cake was Laney Mejias’ sultry, crooning vocals which complimented the scandal and gloom of the era (cigarette in one hand, the other on the mic). Intertwined with their characters, the performers were cheeky, charming and having a great time. There was nothing this cast couldn’t do!
‘Cab Suave’ is a tasty treat to devour, and while I bet the show would be even better with a larger audience than the one at the Judith that night, it did not stop the whole team from putting on a fabulous performance.
‘Cab Suave’ ran for a limited season at the Judith Wright Centre, Fortitude Valley from Thursday, 28 April to Saturday 30 April 2022. For further information about the festival visit the CIRCfest Meanjin website.
