In 2005, Mark Campbell wrote 18 songs – songs about being part of the gay, social and sexual scene, while living in New York. He then sent them to 18 different composers. For the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Kate Cebrano invited Michael Lindner to present Campbell’s Songs from an Unmade Bed – the result of this extensive composition.
Set in the intimate confines of the Adelaide Festival Centre’s Artspace, on a stage comprising piano, cello and percussion – and, of course, an unmade bed – Lindner takes to the stage, in his pyjamas, to serenade with songs of the joys of love and pains of loss.
From the opening song, ‘Here In My Bed’, Lindner welcomes us into his bed and shows off his playful side and vocal ability.
With songs like ‘Spring’, about that time of year when love blossoms, just not for you; ‘The Other Other Woman’, about being the lover of another, with another lover; and, the touching ‘I Miss New York’, about reflections on a city in which you still live, there is a stunning array of moods and moments.
Comic highlights include ‘He Plays the Cello’ – made all the more mischievous by the fact that the cello is played by a woman; ‘Exit Right’, about an affair with a thespian (and all the dramas that go along with it); and ‘He Never Did That Before’, about the paranoia of new delights, previously unexplored and with no inkling of where they came from.
The ensemble, brought together just for this Adelaide season, took a bit of time to intermingle – appearing, at first, to be like a split screen view – but once they blended, it heightened the experience, both musically and emotionally.
Lindner’s voice is reminiscent of Broadway star Mandy Patinkin – with an outstanding range and connection to the songs that defies the locational references.
Apart from a few minor technical issues, with lighting cutting a few songs short, this show came together smoothly, like a set of satin sheets.
The perfect encore would be to have a new show from Lindner, with an even more personal feel. For now, jump into bed with him and let him show you a good time – the time of his (and Campbell’s) life.
Rating: 4 ½ stars out of 5
Songs from an Unmade Bed
By Mark Campbell
Musical Direction by Geoffrey Castles
Performed by Michael Lindner
Composers: Debra Barsha, Mark Bennett, Peter Foley, Jenny Giering, Peter Golub, Jake Heggie, Lance Horne, Stephen Hoffman, Gihieh Lee, Steven Lutvak, Steve Marzullo, Brendan Milburn, Chris Miller, Greg Pliska, Duncan Sheik, Kim D. Sherman, Jeffrey Stock, Joseph Thalken
Originally produced in New York by New York Theatre Workshop, 2005
Artspace, Adelaide Festival Centre
14 – 16 June
Adelaide Cabaret Festival
www.adelaidecabaret.com
7 – 22 June
