shameless self promotion

An out of work academic (Matt Holt) and jazz musician (Rick Ballan) have put their heads together to write a new piece of musical theatre about being out of work. The result is "Cleanskins". With a cast including six of Sydney, s finest actors being accompanied by a seven-piece band (including a three piece horn section and some of Australia’s finest muso's), the show opened last month to packed audiences. The story is about a modern day odd couple who find themselves victims of...how shall I say... economic fundamentalism and bitch about it in music. The characters also include a pair of perceptive drunks from Darlinghurst, a non-bimbo girl and an asio officer who is quite insane. The music ranges from Leonard Bernstein to Tom Waites to the Tango; it even includes a Medieval cantus firmus thrown in for good measure. John Waters, whose son Ivan is in the play, said that in all his years of acting on stage he had never seen anything quite like it, neither musical nor play, its more like Berlin cabaret but with contemporary Aussie humour and entertaining music. Written and directed by Matt Holt with music by Rick Ballan, the show is playing on Tuesdays nov 14, 21, 28 and dec 5 at "Bar Me" 154 Brougham st Kings X. $25 show or $40 show and dinner. Book at Bar Me, Ph: 93680894 or online at reservations@barme.com.au. Kind regards, Rick Ballan 0404160395.