It was well worth the journey

Well, I did it. And other than getting a receipt for $6.66 for my Subway dinner before the show, a mild blizzard and my right butt-cheek giggling uncontrollably throughout the entire show, it went pretty well.
I can't really comment myself as, once I got in the zone I don't remember much, but here is the review by mooney on theatre's Winton Soon; I couldn't have put it better.

Dark Night Cabaret Series: Tales From A Suitcase (Acting Up Stage Company)


by Winton Soon



When Camilla Scott is now better known for hawking cosmetics in living rooms than performing, it is safe to say that there is no musical theatre star power in this country. It’s a shame because the spritely Laura Caswell would surely be one of Canada’s better-known performers. With a 1940’s sensibility and a pippy – nearly clipped – style, this is a girl who should be at least a few Dora Awards in.
Instead she is one of the performers for Acting Up Stage Company’s Dark Night Cabaret, running on the Mondays at the Berkeley Street Theatre when Caroline, or Change has its night off.
The cabaret is called Tales from a Suitcase and Caswell trips in with a suitcase, all curls and cutie pie nervousness. Caswell could – and should – play a mid career Judy Garland. I half expected her to tap dance with the luggage.
With the help of a pianist Greg Gibson and her own sister Andrea Caswell, Caswell packed the hour tight with emotionally charged songs that required more explanation then some were given. I wanted to know more about each piece – it all sounded like musical theatre to me, but I didn’t recognize most of the songs.
I have to say that the emotional content of the music chosen didn’t quite match the rest of the show. The segways and intros were seemingly rehearsed quips and stories but they didn’t do much to serve the much greater emotional range Caswell brought to her singing. My date Catharine for the night, agreed. Toward the end Caswell felt way less rehearsed and more off the cuff. Catharine said that she felt that we were seeing the real person behind the performance, which was ultimately so much more interesting then, any of the rehearsed shtick that started the evening. We cared less about the suitcase and wanted more of her.
We both loved how she followed the career of songwriter Amanda McBroom. Her passion seemed genuine and less rehearsed. Sadly the song that followed; “Wheels” worked for me only on a comedic level, I’m likely just too jaded for a coming of age song that begins with the heroine as a little girl and ending up homeless. I think I’m alone on this one though because when she announced the song, a guy behind let out an excited yelp.
The power of honesty and improv was extraordinarily evident when she invited her singer/songwriter sister on stage. Her sister’s set felt loose, free, and real and because of this her songs struck that emotional balance between humour and heartfelt that a good cabaret desperately needs. A mash up that included “The Sun will Come Out” nearly worked and their voices together toward the end in “Homeward Bound” hit the right note.
Caswell has such a fun sensibility and knowledge of contemporary musical scores that you just want to give her a drink and a mic, put her on a gay cruise and let her everyone fall in love with her. Hopefully Canada gets to have her for a little while longer.


http://www.mooneyontheatre.com/2012/02/02/tales-from-a-suitcase-acting-up-stage-company/

ONE NIGHT ONLY is one week away.

My one night only show is one week away; Tales from a Suitcase at the Berkeley Street Theatre in Toronto is Monday January 30th, at 8pm.

The set list is done. The arrangements are done (except a few last minute changes). I am slowly solidified on some of the things I am going to say.
My sister is still in Belize, but she'll be back very soon - I hope!

The search for "the perfect dress" continues. That is turning out to be the toughest part about the whole thing!!

Tickets are selling, people are coming. It's going to be a good night.

I am looking forward to sharing some great stories and music with great people. And learning...a lot.

Thanks again to Acting Up Stage for this opportunity.

Book your tickets now!
actingupstage.com for details.

2 Weeks to "Pack My Bags"

Well...
I have managed to keep busy. So busy that it's hard to find time to put this show together (Tales from a Suitcase). But I figure I have learned full musicals and choreography and four part harmonies in less than two weeks...I can do this.
I had great rehearsals with Greg Gibson and my sister Andrea this week. The show is going to sound great.
Also had a great chat/meeting with my amazing friend Daniel Krolik who helped me with the promo and also is helping me put together the show.

In other news I get to play Ilona at the Rose in "She Loves Me"! I'm so excited.

These next two months are going to be so busy and go by so fast.
And I am blessed to get to share my art with the world. So blessed.

Vitamins, water, sleep. Here we go.

TALES FROM A SUITCASE

Well, it's about three weeks away; my first big Toronto Cabaret since my birthday Cabaret in 2008.
After attending the International Cabaret Conference at Yale, I couldn't help but feel motivated to create an evening of entertainment.
Thanks to the wonderful theatre company, Acting Upstage, I have been given the chance to do that.

On Monday January 30th, 2012 come out and enjoy and evening of songs and stories titled TALES FROM A SUITCASE, as a park of the Dark Night Cabaret Series at the Berkeley Street Theatre.

The show is filled with old standards, contemporary musical theatre and new medleys and features my talented sister Andrea Caswell with some of her original music.
At a young age we became world travellers together when our father moved overseas.  From fun adventures and amazing destinations, to losing sail boats, missing planes and tasting "delicious" food from around the world, we will incorporate stories from our journeys and songs from our lives into one hour of fun.  There is honestly something for everyone in this show.

See actingupstage.com for ticket info.
Or call the Box Office at 416 363 3110.

$20 at the door
(or use the Code Word BAGGAGE when ordering to receive five dollars off. )