Show Description:
PIAF AND DIETRICH: A Musical Soirée from Paris to Berlin
Nikki Nouveau performs a stunning repertoire of classic songs and narrates the story of legendary Parisian artist Edith Piaf and Berlin screen legend Marlene Dietrich.
From wildly different backgrounds and experiences, the divas forged a remarkable and compelling lifelong friendship after first meeting in New York. Nikki takes the audience on a musical journey of the 1940s, playing hits of the Grand Dames, with piano and accordion accompaniment.
Sung in French, German and English you are transported to a bygone era.
Producer/Writer/Vocalist/Narrator:
Nikki Nouveau
Director:
Natalie Gamsu (Strictly Ballroom, Ladies In Black, Ali’s Wedding)
Reviews:
“Nouveau in full voice is mesmerising and her phrasing between singing and narrating is flawless. Nikki Nouveau is the epitome of class and reinvention”
– Theatre People 5 Stars (Melbourne Cabaret Festival 2018)
“Sydney’s cabaret lovers, jazz aficionados and ‘little sparrow’ fanatics were offered a rare treat when Nikki Nouveau brought her Edith Piaf tribute to The Basement. Nouveau has been winning over Melbourne audiences throughout the year with No Regrets – The Edith Piaf Story.
From early on in the performance, it is obvious that this is a sincere and well considered tribute to an artist Nouveau has great appreciation for. She steers clear of fluffiness and gimmicks in order to produce a respectful and entertaining set. Accompanied by Marcello Maio on piano and accordion and Natalija May on violin, this show doesn’t go over-the-top in providing an authentic musical experience which drips with talent and skill.
Nouveau’s wisest move may have been the decision not to flat-out impersonate Piaf, but to place herself as one artist paying homage to another. From the Piaf-inspired fashion cues displayed over two outfits, to the gradual incorporation of hand gestures which mirror Piaf’s own performance evolution – and of course, her stunning vocal range, delivered in both English and French.
She takes the audience on a musical journey through songs right from the earliest days of Piaf’s singing career, when she was singing on street corners, through to the peak of her career as the toast of Paris and New York, and her tragic and untimely death. Along the way she speaks about Piaf’s greatest loves, losses, and intense loneliness. This is a history lesson for those of us who are less well versed on Piaf’s life and work, and a delightful retelling for the die-hard fans.
Sydney would be lucky to have this sumptuous cabaret grace our city again”
– Alt Media
Venues and Tours:
Ozmoz Cafe, Paris, France
Bar Bobu, Berlin, Germany
Ella’s Music Club, Melbourne
Claire’s Kitchen at Le Salon, Sydney
Le Tres Bon, Bungendore
Photo: Len Panecki
Photo: Kieran McNamara