One of Australia’s finest cabaret artistes, the velvet-voiced Mama Alto, weaves an exquisite show that epitomises - and eclipses - the past fifteen years of her performances around the country, and around the world. First created for the revered Joe's Pub at The Public Theatre, New York (one of the world's greatest cabaret rooms), this show is truly Transcendent. Mama Alto is a jazz singer, cabaret artiste and gender transcendent diva. Her liquid velvet voice comes to the fore in stunning and beguiling interpretations that turn already rich material inside-out. Traversing smoky torch songs, sumptuous jazz ballads and luscious vocals, Mama’s repertoire holds both familiar melodies and unexpected morsels.
With her soaring voice, exquisite sense of musicality and wondrously statuesque stage presence, Mama Alto continues to establish herself as one of Australia’s pre-eminent interpreters of the art of torch singing. Enigmatic, multifaceted and resplendent, her weaving of song and story, triumph and tragedy, poignancy and pathos make for an unforgettable musical experience.
More about Mama Alto:
Regularly appearing at premiere venues & festivals, including Melbourne Recital Centre (VIC), Adelaide Cabaret Festival (SA), Festival of Voices (TAS), Perth International Cabaret Festival (WA) and Joe’s Pub at New York’s Public Theatre (USA), she has also collaborated with legendary figures including Finucane & Smith, Maude Davey OAM and Brook Andrew, and appeared with luminaries such as Taylor Mac, Matt Ray and Alan Cumming. Co-creator of “Gender Euphoria” - a headline show at Sydney WorldPride 2023, she has been recognised with awards from the Australia Council of the Arts and Creative Victoria. More:
www.mamaalto.com/about Review quotes for “Mama Alto: Transcendent”:
“Mama Alto has a serene presence. But her voice has sizzle and zing…For her, time stretches, and curls up by her feet, purring.” (Parterre New York)
https://parterre.com/2024/03/01/divine-mother/ “She makes these standards her own with her unique “gender transcendent” vocals, her warm wit and storytelling, and her mesmerising presence. Each tune was a musical painting and a masterclass in interpretation.” (Perth Arts Live)
https://pertharts.live/2024/06/26/review-mama-alto-transcendent/
“A sonic journey that lived up to the show’s name of Transcendent – we were immediately in another realm… Simply a sensational moment in time.” (Out in Perth)
https://www.outinperth.com/review-mama-alto-was-worth-the-wait/
Winner - Best Cabaret, BroadwayWorld Australia Melbourne Awards
https://www.broadwayworld.com/australia-melbourne/article/Winners-Announced-For-The-2024-BroadwayWorld-Australia-Melbourne-Awards-20250111
Further media quotes about Mama Alto:
www.mamaalto.com/press Production history: February 2024 NEW YORK: World premiere - Joe’s Pub at The Public Theatre, New York USA
June 2024 PERTH Australian premiere - Perth International Cabaret Festival at His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth WA, AUS
July 2024 MELBOURNE: Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne AUS
January 2025 NEW YORK: American return performance - Joe’s Pub at the Public Theatre, New York USA
June 2025 SYDNEY - Hayes Theatre Winter Cabaret Season, Elizabeth Bay NSW, AUS
July 2025 BELMONT - City of Belmont AfterDark, The Glasshouse, Cloverdale WA, AUS
Photography below by Shawn Salley, at Joe's Pub, New York
