Making its electrifying Edinburgh debut after acclaimed runs at the Sydney and Melbourne Comedy Festivals, pop artist Ariana and the Rose presents a high-energy, glitter-filled love letter to heartbreak and healing. Blending music, comedy, and a touch of chaos, this cathartic one-woman show tracks the emotional arc of putting oneself back together to serve as the ultimate reminder that the best revenge is living fabulously.
Would you mind giving us an insight into what your show/event/performance is?
My show is called The Breakup Variety Hour, it’s a cross between a pop concert, comedy show and cabaret. The show follows 6 steps to get over a breakup through song, comedic story telling and audience interaction. The vibe is Better Midler, Cher and Carrie Bradshaw all hanging out in an NYC disco dive bar.
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
The show also has a companion pop album and visual album, so the process was multi-layered with several amazing collaborators. I first mapped out the songs at my piano and with a co-writer, Jessica Karpov (grammy nominated songwriter, she’s written for Celine Dion, Madonna and Kelly Clarkson). After that I took the songs to Spencer Zahn (LA based producer and multi-instrumentalist who also has a duo experimental project with Dawn Richard of the Pussycat Dolls) and we recorded everything with a live band over a week in LA. I then used those recordings to map out the structure of the show and began performing the show in NYC at Joe’s Pub and around the country, using those shows to work out the monologues and crowd work, similar to a stand-up comedian. The whole piece was brought together by Andy Highmore (producer/musical director for AlunaGeorge, Slayyter) who created additional production, interludes and toured with me while we worked out the full live and recorded show. We definitely were learning as we went along and I was so lucky to have such talented and innovative collaborators creating this me.
How does it feel coming to (back to) the Fringe?
It’s my Fringe debut!! I’m so excited to be bringing a show to Edinburgh for the first time. I don’t totally know what to expect, so I’m just jumping in with open arms and taking my vitamins!
With shows from all over the world at the Fringe, what sets yours apart?
Oh boy, well, I think being a New Yorker with that sensibility and perspective woven into my work has always been something that gives my music and shows a unique feel. This show combines a pop concert, comedy and cabaret aesthetic which is a combo that is specific to my work that allows it to be high energy, funny and earnest all at once. Going through a breakup is a universal experience and my hope is that people will feel this show puts that experience into words and music in a way that they couldn’t and allows them to have their own catharsis, whether its for a heartbreak they’re currently feeling or one they’ve been through in the past.
On that, is there anything in the production or production team’s backgrounds which influences the way the show is performed or told?
I have been creating pop music for the last decade and started in theater before that. This show is a culmination of all my years as a performer, pulling from pop star spectacle, downtown theater and really just being an Italian girl from New York who loves to tell a story. It’s a pop song and a yap, a drink at the bar with your best friend, set to music.
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
I hope the audience sees themselves in the show. My favorite feedback is when someone comes up to me afterward and launches into a story about their breakup, their heartbreak and how they got over it. When people are thinking of themselves and their own experiences from my show, I know I’ve done my job.
Your Ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t…?
My ideal audience is anyone who’s been through heartbreak!! This show charts romantic heartbreak but it really applies to any kind, a friend breakup, the disappointment from a dream not working out, familial heartbreak… healing from this kind of grief touches us all and I hope this show provides a space for people to feel whatever it is they need to, with a touch of humor and pizazz.
It’s an intense month, so where you’re able, how do you plan to relax, and are there any other shows you intend to see or want to recommend?
I’ll definitely be taking care of my voice all month, that is my first priority. There are so many incredible people performing at the Fringe this year. On my list to check out is: Sarah Hester Ross, Sydnee Washington and Josh Sharp
The Breakup Variety Hour will run at Venue 17, Studio Four at Assembly George Square Studios
Runs: August 5th – August 31st at 17.20pm
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