If you’re casting about for something to treat your much better half to on Valentine’s Day, you could go the traditional route of flowers, chocolates, maybe dinner – or you can take in The Love Cabaret at the Carter-Ryan Gallery and Live Art Venue, Friday and Saturday (Feb. 14-15).
The Love Cabaret will feature singer, guitar guy and comedian Martin Murphy, a veteran of Edmonton musical theatre and performances.
“Valentine’s Day is a very, very popular day,” said Martin, “and a cabaret is a great place to be. I’m not a standup comedian, but I like to improvise with the audience and I give as many flavours as possible in a cabaret setting. Hopefully, I can also get a pianist in for the evening.”
MCing the event, and possibly taking part, will be the gallery’s Bridget Ryan, who shares Murphy’s background in musical performance, as well as working in TV in the provincial capital.
“I’ve known Bridget for going on 14 years now,” said Murphy, “even before she got into the TV act. We’ve both been in a lot of musical performances.”
Along with songs and guitar work, Murphy does impersonations – anybody from Tom Jones to Pavarotti – and recently released an album of his own, The Painter’s Hand.
“I sing everything from country to opera,” said Murphy, “and on my solo CD, I’ve got country, Celtic, Latin, even R&B. It’s the story of my life and there are a couple of great love songs on it which will be ideal for a Valentine’s cabaret.
“It’s a concept album with a lot of genres on it.”
Murphy has performed as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, Buddy in The Buddy Holly Story and in performances of The Full Monty, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Wizard of Oz, etc. and is recently coming off a four-month theatre gig.
“So I’m excited about being in Canmore,” he said. “I’ve haven’t been able to do this kind of show for a long time. It’ll be nice to get back to my roots.
“For a few years, I did a cabaret in Edmonton with some classical types and it was hugely popular. I’ve built up enough of a repertoire over the years that there’s something for everyone.”
Tickets are $15 for The Love Cabaret and are available at 403-621-1000 or by emailing [email protected]. Both shows are at 7:30 p.m.
