How To Succeed in Theatre by Trying Really, Really Hard: A Cabaret
Industry setting you up to fail? Systemic barriers getting you down? Consider: Trying Harder! Watch struggling musical theatre artists learn exactly what’s wrong with them and how to fix it by just being themselves!
(authenticity not guaranteed; “being themselves” is defined as "being attractive, funny, etc." )
How I wish I had seen this sooner in the festival so that I would have the chance to see it again! What a fabulous show, equal parts funny and heartwarming, with a touch of the dark humor that is just all too real.
I loved the humour within the reality of this show. Lots of pointed and relatable moments, but my fave, hands down, was the land acknowledgement!!!! If you struggle with these, go and soak it up! Also, on a separate note, even if you aren’t a theatre nerd and will never audition, the heart in this helps you take away the big feeling that vulnerability and identity risk is hard and worth it 💜🎤🎬⭐️
I would recommend this show again and again, it’s not only funny and lighthearted, but also speaks to a genuine hardship young artists go through in this day and age.
“It’s not objectification if there’s a chance that you could get paid!” How To Succeed in Theatre By Trying Really, Really Hard: A Cabaret illustrates just how hard, ruthless, and uncaring auditioning and the job process can be for people who are trying (really, really hard) to succeed in theatre. With a cast of 8, this musical showcases incredible vocal and musical skill while exposing the difficulties that the theatre industry has, and how important it is to remember why we each began to love theatre in the first place.
This show follows each actor reading a book by the same title as the show. As they read each part of the book, it exposes another way that it feels that no matter how hard someone can try, or change their personality, or constantly conform to another’s wishes just to get the chance at an opportunity, sometimes it seems like there just isn’t a way to succeed.
However, while it does show these negatives, it also reminds the audience how beautiful theatre truly is! As said perfectly in the show, “I am not an idiot for caring.” This show allows the audience to come away from the show with an understanding of how hard theatre can be, but also what a meaningful, beautiful, and wonderful home it can be to be a part of.
This show also contains spectacular singing and vocal talent. Multiple actors in this show impressed the audience by acting, singing, and playing piano simultaneously as well. It is clear that so much effort, time, and hard work has come from these actors for this show.
If you love both funny and heartfelt musicals and have ever experienced the entity that is the theatre industry, then How To Succeed in Theatre By Trying Really, Really Hard: A Cabaret is the show for you!
This was good, the performers for the most part were great, not stellar.
I enjoyed the look into auditioning, and feel for the pain performers go through to get roles
I think this would hit harder for those who are in the entertainment industry, rather than a passive observer like myself
HTS is a heart warming, and funny look at the theatre scene. With many moments that helps encourage the aspiring artist to never give up without being being blind to the tomfoolery which is this industry. The cast ,while having a variety of skill levels, excel at each of their stories and there on stage chemistry leaves you wanting to hug the whole lot of them! It's exactly what I want in a fringe show - a unapologetic passion project dripping with sarcasm and reality checks.
saw this on opening but finally getting around to reviewing it
a very talented cast. well picked. one of the better emerging cabarets I’ve seen.
a satirical yet brutally honest look into the performing arts industry and what it takes to make it. while not a perfect production, definitely a funny and interesting cabaret that is sure to be loved by all who ever wanted to be on the big stage.
Am entertaining and fun look at the inside and outside voices of performers and auditions from the perspective of auditioners and auditionees.
Funny, heartfelt, and a must-see for anyone in the performing arts industry! If you have been to an audition, held auditions, or accompanied an audition, you'll find this show incredibly relatable. With wonderful talent and many actor-oriented japes, this show will leave you feeling lighthearted and spunky.