A performer that is bringing a packed suitcase full of glitter, gowns and false eyelashes, Lady Rizo is prepared and ready to dazzle Brisbane audiences.
If you've even felt like hearing Nirvana, David Bowie or Lady Gaga revisited with a cabaret twist and some New York sass — then this is your chance. As a multi-award-winning artist, Lady Rizo has collaborated with Moby and won a Grammy Award with cellist Yo-Yo Ma and is now taking her show global and according to Lady Rizo, audiences should prepare themselves for a night of glamour, comedy and heart-felt songs.
Describe your show in 5 words?
Divine, Dirty, Glamorous, Luscious, Invigorating.
What is your show all about? The show thrusts the image of a chanteuse from a bygone era — decked out in her sparkly gown and chandelier earrings — into the 21st century with killer songs and hilarious audience interactions.
How do you feel being up on stage?
Are you completely your Lady Rizo persona or is it the real you up there?
I love the stage and have been performing since I was three. I do believe my purpose on this earth is to highlight the glorious intersection between entertainment and art. Lady Rizo is a fully embodied creature now — she is president of the show and Amelia as the VP sneaks in for a statement or song intermittently.
How did you end up doing cabaret?
I always sang, acted and danced (triple threat!) but musical theatre never felt like home. For a while I worked regionally in classical theatre and sang for fun on the side. Somewhere along the road trip while moving to New York City I decided to start actually calling myself a singer as opposed to an actress who sang. I immediately became a better singer. When I arrived to New York I started a show with my sister inspired by the burgeoning neo-burlesque scene. She is a professional modern dancer with Mark Morris Dance Group and we melded our talents and made a 'caburlesque' extravaganza that enjoyed immediate cult success. Lady Rizo was born.
And how do you choose the songs and material for your shows as it's such an eclectic array of styles?
I choose my material in myriad ways, though the most important aspect is that I WANT to perform it. Sometimes I get an idea for a funny framing or twist to a popular song or a deeper interpretation (like the despair under the Bacharach pop song 'Wishin & Hopin') or a good musical mash-up. Sometimes it’s a standard that I'd like to tackle or my own original songs which I'm performing more and more of.
What is the craziest thing you've done on stage? I do crazy things in every show. I've done a headstand in an audience member's lap and just last week I did a full-on boob smooch with a gal who I brought behind my shadow screen. That's the first person who has taken off their clothes for me in that bit.
Who is the person you'd love to collaborate with or work with next?
I'd love to do something on film that captures this cabaret and burlesque world I've been traipsing around in. I just reconnected with the gorgeous Baz Luhrmann at a NY ‘The Great Gatsby’ premiere. He saw a show of mine a few years back and was so lovely, came backstage and told me I had fulfilled a long dream he had of seeing an iconic performer at the beginning of their career. It was perhaps one of the sweetest things that anyone had ever said to me. I didn't get to tell him at the premiere but I know Australia is actually quite tiny so please let Mr. Luhrmann know I'm ready for my close-up.
If you had a dinner party of 6 guests — who would you invite?
I feel like that answer would change every day but if it were tonight it would be: Lena Dunham, Mel Brooks, Maya Angelou, Meryl Streep, Oliver Sacks and Janelle Monae.
Are there any behind-the-scenes stories that are weird/ crazy/ funny/ unbelievable that you can share with us?
None that I can share :)
What should an audience expect?
To be taken on a date, to be seduced by humour, sequins and song. All this while being secretly challenged to join together to become braver, more joyous and more expressive in all aspects of life.
And anything else that we should know?
Bring extra money for a martini. For you — or for me!
Lady Rizo performs at the Brisbane Powerhouse for one night only on Wednesday June 19.
