WHEN musician and writer David Baker was asked to put together a radio-play-style cabaret for this year's Newcastle Jazz Festival, he chose a story set in the the 1920s and '30s - the golden age of jazz.
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The show, The Speakeasy, is one he initiated when he worked in Sydney a few years ago.
Baker is working with fellow members of The Smokin' Chops Jazz Quintet on developing the story and integrating 25 jazz songs.
The story opens with a female journalist interviewing renowned jazz performer Fats Waller, who is in jail for failing to pay alimony - something Baker says was a regular occurrence.
When she questions him about being kidnapped by US gangster Al Capone to play at a Mafia party, he tries to divert her attention to the story of a speakeasy called The Hot Spot.
The Speakeasy looks at the US Prohibition era in a relatively light-hearted way.
Songs include Don't You Feel My Leg and What's the Use of Being Sober as well as a Fats Waller song, Ain't Misbehavin', Running Wild, I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Someone to Watch Over Me, Making Whoopee and The Charleston.
Much of the dialogue is in the style of the Marx Brothers with sharp one-line jokes.
The shows will be at Newcastle West's Unorthodox Church of Groove on Saturday, August 15, and Friday and Saturday, August 21-22, at 8pm with a 1.30pm matinee on Sunday, August 23.
Patrons are invited to dress as gangsters or flappers. Tickets are $25 - phone 0401 342 030 to book.
■ The Newcastle Jazz Festival performance at the Jockey Club, Broadmeadow, will be on Saturday, August 29, from 2.15 pm. The three-day festival - from Friday, August 28, to Sunday, August 30 - includes performances by more than 40 bands, with passes for individual sessions or the festival. Go to newcastlejazz.com.au for more information.
