Premium Content:

Mark Nadler shows the beauty of Cole Porter’s music

Mark Nadler’s great talent, aside from being a brilliant pianist, is his ability to show us songs we’ve potentially heard hundreds of times in a new light.

Direct from New York City Nadler made his first ever appearance in Western Australia at the Perth International Cabaret Festival on Thursday night Downstairs at the Maj.

- Advertisement -

A aficionado of the work of songwriter Cole Porter, Nadler presented a show that was equal parts music and storytelling as he analysed Porter’s life and the hidden meaning behind his much loved music.

Opening up with some of Porter’s well known list songs including Let’s Do It, Let’s Fall in Love the audience was quickly impressed with Nadler’s piano skills and ability to shift from quiet reflection to barnstorming bravado.

Dressed in smoking jacket, with martini in hand, Nadler guided us through Porter’s upper class upbringing in Indiana, and his own more modest beginnings in a small town in the US mid-west.

Both found success in New York, and while Nadler is out and proud, Porter lived in a time where sexuality was more cloaked and language more coded.

Sharing stories of how Porter found success later in life, he was well into his 40’s when he began having hit songs, and how he found the perfect match with wife Linda Lee Thomas, Nadler set the scene for some of Porter’s most passionate numbers.

In the Still of the Night and At Long Last Love we captivating, and Nadler had a lot of fun with Can-Can, kicking his heels up from his piano stool.

While quite a few of Porter’s super-hits were included like You’re the Top, I really appreciated this wasn’t a show that tried to jam in as many of Porter’s much loved songs as possible, many artists would have been tempted to do a medley of his greatest hits. This presentation allowed some of his lesser known songs to shine.

Mark Nadler’s Cole Porter After Dark has a second performance on Friday night, and he’ll be part of the Gala Performance on Saturday too.

See all the remaining show at the Perth International Cabaret Festival website.

Latest

Former WA Governor Malcolm McCusker to lead inquiry into election

Premier Roger Cook said today that there was no question over who won each seat at the election.

Local legend Ivan King to share his reflections

The much loved local actor and theatre historian has some stories to tell.

‘Thirst’ will be Yirra Yaakin’s first production for 2025

The world premiere of the new play is on 29th April.

Film star Val Kilmer dead at 65

The actor was one of the biggest stars of the 1980s and 1990s.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Former WA Governor Malcolm McCusker to lead inquiry into election

Premier Roger Cook said today that there was no question over who won each seat at the election.

Local legend Ivan King to share his reflections

The much loved local actor and theatre historian has some stories to tell.

‘Thirst’ will be Yirra Yaakin’s first production for 2025

The world premiere of the new play is on 29th April.

Film star Val Kilmer dead at 65

The actor was one of the biggest stars of the 1980s and 1990s.

British comedian Jimmy Carr to play RAC Arena

The British comedian is playing stacks of shows across Australia.

Former WA Governor Malcolm McCusker to lead inquiry into election

Premier Roger Cook said today that there was no question over who won each seat at the election.

Local legend Ivan King to share his reflections

The much loved local actor and theatre historian has some stories to tell.

‘Thirst’ will be Yirra Yaakin’s first production for 2025

The world premiere of the new play is on 29th April.