I met Paul Hutcheson during the New York Frigid Fest a few years ago and, as most people do, immediately fell in love with him – as a person and as a performer. Just take a look at that face and you can see why! If you don’t already know Paul you have a great chance to see him perform – one night only – this weekend at the Duplex. Here’s a special 10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE SHOW BEFORE YOU GO so you can plan your weekend around this and make sure you’re STUPEFIED.

Stupefied
Saturday April 23rd at 4:30 pm
The Duplex, 61 Christopher Street $10/15

Answers provided by: Writer & performer Paul Hutcheson

1. Forget the PR version. When you’re talking to your friends, how do you explain this show to them?
Paul: This is the show where I discuss all things that ‘stupefy’ me! From gay men &  a drinking study, to teaching teenagers, to the anus and love, I am constantly ‘Stupefied’ by life!

2. Here’s a scenario: After the show some audience members go have a drink. What’s the part of the show you hope they’re discussing?
Paul: I hope they are discussing how their cheeks hurt from smiling and laughing.

3. What drives your show – character, theme or plot?
Paul: The theme drives the stories and life experiences that I vividly bring to life on stage.

4. In rehearsals, read-thrus, or prior incarnations, what’s the one thing someone said about the show so far that made you (or the team) the most proud?
Paul: That their cheeks hurt from smiling and laughing!

5. If money and resources (and even reality) were no object what is the most lavish, luxurious, pointless prop, costume, effect – anything – that you would spend money on for this show?
Paul: I want to ‘stupefy’ the audience by flying around the stage and swooping into the audience in a custom made Wonder Woman outfit.

6. What’s the one thing you’re looking forward to as your show opens?
Paul: Getting to premiere the show in NYC! (This is a dream for a Canadian artist.)

7. Is there a scene, a moment, a gesture … anything at all in the show that you anticipate may get a completely different reaction depending on the audience that night?
Paul: Scolding people for not being able to talk about oral sex and masturbation but watching shows like ‘The Bachelorette’ & ‘Breaking Bad.’

8. What’s your favorite line from the show?
Paul: “Stupefying, isn’t it?”

9. What’s the last thing you usually do before the beginning of a show?
Paul: Stretch.

10. You scan the audience and you see a face that stops you dead in your tracks – who is it? And why are you shocked?
Paul: I scan and see John Cameron Mitchell. I am shocked because – how did he find out? And I hope he’s looking to manage a queer comedic performer!

~~~

Paul, my sweet, I know you’ll be stupefying that Duplex audience like crazy.  The rest of you – get your butts over to the Duplex … one of my favorite New York places to hang and have fun.  To purchase tickets CLICK HERE.

THE DUPLEX
INFORMATION: (212) 255-5438
61 CHRISTOPHER STREET @ 7TH AVE
NYC, NY 10014

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One of the best things about the Frigid Festival as a whole is how innovative, experimental, unfiltered and uninhibited it is.  But that’s nothing compared to what happens each night, for while the last show of the evening is taking its bows, UNDER St. Marks gears up for its traditional midnight show.  For five years now there’s been no greater testament to the wealth of talent that gathers for the festival than The CANUCK CABARET which is – yes – a Cabaret but also a bawdy playground where talented performers from Canada and parts south (that would be the good ole US of A to you and me) get an opportunity to congregate in that 45 seat theatre we love after all the FRIGID hub-bub of the day is over.  There, performers and audience and anyone who wants to be there, can experience some amazing performances, and in general just have a blast.  The good news?  There are still a few more midnights to go … The Cabaret is still at full tilt and you’re invited!  The bad news?  After a great 5 year run this is the last year for these Canadians so miss this now and you’ll miss it FOREVAH.

To review the show I saw and then tell you that your experience will be the same is kinda pointless – as well as besides the point.  One doesn’t go down those rickety stairs with a playbook – nor would you want to.  It’s the unexpected, the serendipity of specific audience melding with specific performers that make the magic that you experience. Hell, there’s not even a set running time.  Just arrive at midnight and surrender yourself to the river of performance that will flow.

Paul Hutcheson [photo credit: KL Thomas]

Two things are constant however: the bar IS always open and the show IS always hosted by the appealing comedic performer Paul Hutcheson who takes care of warming up the crowd, giving introductions and keeping the whole thing moving. I just wanted to convince him to move to NYC so that we could see more of each other – that’s how much fun Hutcheson is, not only as host but as performer — and if his stand up is to be believed then that’s how much fun he is as a person, period.  I think the New York scene needs a few more Paul Hutchesons.

Sharon Nowlan [photo credit: KL Thomas]

Revving up the crowd and starting things off RIGHT was Sharon Nowlan who did a little burlesque – Canada style. Which – according to me means lights turned down low while she swirled glowing things in the air.  With perfectly placed maple leafs (yes I said “maple leafs”) she charmed not once, but twice and her closing number (almost 2 hours later) was as delightful as her first performance.

Chris Wilson [photo credit: KL Thomas]

Chris Wilson who is from  Toronto got the crowd going with a skit involving a coach taking over a health class for the day. Things get a little twitchy when anonymous questions like “what is love” and other sex-related queries are answered with sports metaphors.

Fay Slift – The Ladybearextraordinaire – was decked out in full tutu, wig and glorious beard. Fay’s first number took the crowd soaring through a pop landscape but later on the audience was on its feet (or at least bouncing in its chair) as Fay raced about in a whole new ensemble – all foam hair and Minnie Mouse hands and perfect “are you gonna stay the night” eyelash batting. Yes, Fay! Yes! We WILL

Matt Panesh – Monkey Poet - was there in all his tall loveliness with that amazing accent pouring out of him.  He gave his background which had a little Liverpool smashed in with a little Manchester and so much more – all I can say is listening to him recite his poetry is something to behold.  I’d seen him all day at the Kraine handing out flyers and was already smitten – seeing him perform did not disappoint.

CJ Sawchyn [photo credit: KL Thomas]

CJ Sawchyn (Steve Nuggett) of the notorious musical sketch company THE SPECIALS, was there doing something so brilliant it’s impossible to describe.  Suffice to say this guy makes Keith Richards look like your grandmother’s canasta partner.

Antonia Lassar (who is one half of the FRIGID show TINA and AMY) was there with her super good friend (and kissing buddy – and ovary smasher)  Artem Yatsunov (director of BASIC HELP). First of all, seeing them together made me understand why they were so sweet together in their 10 THINGS TO KNOW interviews. Ahh! So obvious. Secondly, seeing them together was just great fun – they sang songs while Antonia strummed the ukulele and told a story that involved a trip to the emergency room after an incident involving (yes, you guess it) Antonia’s ovary. Let me say right now – since seeing this show I have sung the phrase “Big dickery” more times than I can count. That’s the way to do it A&A. THAT’S THE WAY TO DO IT.

Jillian Thomas [photo credit: KL Thomas]

Jillian Thomas – originally from Canada but recently moved to NYC after marrying a man who heckled her – not only did some great stand up that illustrated her comedic chops, but she told even MORE stories about host Paul Hutcheson involving a live sex show that made me envy her a little more.

Una Osato, a performer I’ve enjoyed for her work in prior FRIGID shows (notably JapJAP) didn’t disappoint as she took to the stage in a giant Orca costume and swam to that Free Willy song slowly shedding her costume until she was in all

Una Osato [photo credit: KL Thomas]

her glory – save for pasties and a thong –  celebrating her sweet parts, even those that jiggled – and as the audience cheered and urged her on she jumped high into the sky (or as high as the basement ceiling of USM will allow) and let those babies (or do I mean boobies?) fly free.

Rebecca Parry [photo credit: KL Thomas]

Rebecca Parry of the Frigid show Confessions of a Redheaded Coffeeshop Girl was there too – wooing the crowd with some songs from Suzy Snowflake Entertains The Troops and her red hair and red dress and red-hot number proved that this firecracker from Canada is more than just a pretty shade of claret – she went down as smooth as a fine burgundy.

By the time Paul Hutcheson and Sharon Nowlan were back to do one final closing number that involved fans and flutters and a Pink ballad I was all teary eyed for this Cabaret. In a city that never sleeps this show comes on at prime time. So take the next few available midnights and spend them at UNDER St. Marks where you’ll be treated like an old friend. Do it before they’re gone forever.

~~~
THE CANUCK CABARET
Hosted by: comedic performer Paul Hutcheson

Remaining Performances:
Mar 06, 12:00AM
Mar 07, 12:00AM
Mar 08, 12:00AM

Running time: 1 h 0 min
Price: $5.00

Seating: General Admission

UNDER St Marks
94 St Marks Place
New York , New York 10009
1st Ave and Ave A
2nd and 3rd Ave

Horse Trade Theater Group will present the 8th Annual FRIGID New York Festival at The Kraine Theater (85 East 4^th Street between 2^nd Avenue and Bowery) and UNDER St. Marks (94 St. Marks Place between 1^st Avenue and Avenue A) February 19-March 9. Tickets are available for purchase in advance at www.FRIGIDnewyork.info or by calling 212-868-4444. 

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Ten Questions. Ten Answers. And One Big Decision: Rock, Paper, Or Scissors?

Horse Trade/Wog Productions
Naughty & Nice

THE CANUCK CABARET

Since 2010, a group of Canadians, led by comedic performer Paul Hutcheson, have been crossing the border to entertain audiences at late-night cabaret shows as part of the FRIGID New York Festival presented by Horse Trade Theater Group. After shows in 2014, the show will have been produced over forty times and has been featured in Time Out NY, MSNBC and The Village Voice.

Show Times:

• 2/22 @ midnight
• 2/26 @ midnight
• 2/27 @ midnight
• 2/28 @ midnight
• 3/01 @ midnight
• 3/05 @ midnight
• 3/06 @ midnight
• 3/07 @ midnight
• 3/08 @ midnight

Answers by Paul Hutcheson
(lead comedic performer)

1. Your tag line is out there on postcards and press releases so we know the PR version of what this play is about.  But when you talk to your family and friends, how do you explain the show to them?

PH: Canuck Cabaret debuted at the Frigid Festival in 2010. It will have been produced over 40 times by the end of Frigid 2014. This is the last year for Canuck Cabaret and we are excited about all the terrific shows! The eclectic Canadian and American talent we have assembled will surprise and thrill audiences for nine performances.

2. Here’s a scenario: After the show some audience members go have a drink.  What’s the part of the show you hope they’re discussing?

PH: They will be discussing the unique show they just witnessed! Whether is be a funny stand-up, a monologist who challenged them, performance art they are not sure they ‘got’ or a kick ass musical guest…they will be talking.

3. What drives your show – character, theme or plot?

PH: Canuck Cabaret is a Canadian themed showcase of talent! Diversity, humour and pushing the envelope is what drives the show.

4. In rehearsals, read-thrus, or prior incarnations, what’s the one thing someone said about the show so far that made you (or the team) the most proud?

PH: That Canuck Cabaret encapsulates the spirit of an independent theatre festival.

5. Let’s fantasize for a moment. Let’s take the “off-off” off. Imagine this show is on Broadway. Would that change the production itself?

PH: It would give us larger production values, which would be fun. As host, I would want to fly over the audience…

6. Taking that one step further – after paying everyone what they’re worth of course, what is the most lavish, luxurious, pointless thing you would spend money on if there was no constraints?

PH: I would get all performers on the cabaret to fly above the audience. I would also love to literally fly friends, family and performers from all over North America to come see and perform on Canuck Cabaret.

7. Is there a scene, a moment, a gesture … anything at all in the show that you anticipate may get a completely different reaction depending on the audience that night?

PH: The shows are completely different each night. An audience can come to every show and have a different reaction.

8. What’s your favorite line from the show?

PH: We Are Canadian.

9. Is the world of this play sustainable outside a theatre? In other words … do you think people live the way the characters do? Would you want a world where they do?

PH: I would love if the world was a cabaret! Always interesting, challenging, entertaining and above all embracing all talents.

10. You scan the audience and you see a face that stops you dead in your tracks – who is it? And why are you shocked?

PH: Laurie Metcalf. (one of my comedic heroes who lives in NY)

Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH

In the THM virtual Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH which FRIGID Show do you take on? And what do you throw?

CHALLENGES: Canuck Cabaret would take them all on…we love group action.   

THROWS: Rock! 

Well this is fun!  We have a whole bunch of competitors for you!  Let’s line them up and see how it goes.

Here are the shows who have played so far:
Real Dead Ghosts threw ROCK – that’s a DRAW!
Eating My Garbage threw SCISSORS – that’s a WIN!
Steve: A Docu-Musical threw ROCK- that’s a DRAW!
Drag Queen Stole My Dress threw PAPER – that’s a LOSS!
Boogie Of The Apes threw ROCK- that’s a DRAW!
Something Wicked threw SCISSORS – that’s a WIN!
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Gardaí threw ROCK- that’s a DRAW!
My High-Heeled Life: Or, How I Learned to Keep Worrying and Love My Stilettos threw ROCK- that’s a DRAW!
FOR BODY AND LIGHT threw ROCK- that’s a DRAW!
Double Happiness: A Tale of Love, Loss, and One Forever Family threw SCISSORS – that’s a WIN!

So with 10 competitors so far, you’ve got six where you come out equal … three wins and one loss. YOU’RE DOING GREAT! Since you’ve challenged every show, Cabaret, don’t forget to check back to see how you do with every other competitor!

Thanks THE CANUCK CABARET for participating in The Happiest Medium’s FRIGID New York Festival 2014 Q&A. And for playing our game! You’re officially ROCK in any and all challenges.  You may win, you may lose – who knows! This is how it works in the crazy world of the Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH!

For the rest of you don’t forget to check out THE CANUCK CABARET !

~~~ 

  ~~~

Horse Trade Theater Group will present the 8th Annual FRIGID New York Festival at The Kraine Theater (85 East 4^th Street between 2^nd Avenue and Bowery) and UNDER St. Marks (94 St. Marks Place between 1^st Avenue and Avenue A) February 19-March 9. Tickets are available for purchase in advance at www.FRIGIDnewyork.info or by calling 212-868-4444. 

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