Elizabeth Hodes: A Touch of Venus

Lotte Lenya, Marlene Dietrich, Edith Piaf: two were street urchins, two sang in Weimar Berlin, two became friends. “And they all had a touch of Venus!” says Elizabeth Hodes.

Her new “theatrical cabaret” about the three divas unites three of
the most commanding presences of the 20th Century, focusing on their
trials and triumphs in Europe and America. A Touch of Venus creates a fictional yet true-to-life drama using standards like ‘Mack the Knife,’ ‘La Vie En Rose,’ ‘Lili Marlene,’ and lesser known gems such as ‘Havana Lied,’ ‘Illusions,’ and ‘Jezebel.’

Lotte Lenya’s ability to endure and prosper in a prolific career despite long
periods of withdrawal provided the original inspiration for the piece.
The challenges that faced all three of the stars (personal, political,
and artistic) then fell into place to create an engaging journey.
A special song tribute will explore the love affair between Marlene and Piaf.

The show isirected by Christine Wilson with arrangements and piano by John Bowen.