Aurélie’s not in Kansas any more

Kansas City native Aurélie Roque has transformed her parallels with the Wizard of Oz’ Dorothy into a cabaret, Ruby Slipper Chronicles that will premier on June 3 and 4 at Hayward Street Studios, Brisbane.

The one-woman cabaret, co-presented by Theatremakers, with music direction by Luke Volker, will tell the stories of the trials, turmoil and triumphs Aurélie faced when she hitched up her blue and white checks en route to Australia four years ago.

“I left Kansas for the land of 'Aus' during a tornado, hand to God, and I’ve since faced a few ‘lions, tigers and bears’ while starting a new life in Australia. It’s been quite the journey with lots of successes, but not without some challenges and dysfunction along the way,” she said.

“But all decent stories have that silver lining, or I guess in this case, 'ruby' lining. Ruby Slipper Chronicles has all the incredible moments in overcoming the ordeals, my lions, while building support through new friends, my Tinman and Scarecrow.

“The repertoire has been drawn from a variety of my favourite genres and thoughtfully twisted by myself, my MD Luke, and even my husband, to guide the narrative. I wanted to ensure this show was an original theatre production; the audience will recognise some of the songs, but others are a little more leftfield.”

It has been an eventful journey for Aurélie since she touched down in Australia and in this time, she has credits including Joanne in Rent (Matt Ward Entertainment), Morticia Addams in The Addams Family Musical (Brisbane Arts Theatre), Boy & Girl (Oscar Theatre Company) and Bloodbath (Dracula’s Cabaret).

Aurélie is also a voice and musical theatre teacher and recently choreographed the 24 Hour Musical Project’s Kiss Me Kate, while continuing her creative work on the Theatremakers team.

Tickets are on sale via www.haywardstreet.com.au with general admission - $30,concession - $25 and groups of 10 or more - $27. Hayward Street Studios is located at 57 Hayward Street, Stafford