Meet Vancouver cabaret singer and writer, Cass King.
Cass next appears in the original new show Shine: A Burlesque Musical, the story of Shine Mionne and her chosen family of sexpots and misfits struggling to save the crumbling but historic Aristocrat theatre from imminent gentrification. Described as “smart, sexy”, the musical features 18 original songs from King and co-writer John Woods of The Wet Spots. Shine: A Burlesque Musical runs July 6-16 at the WISE Hall in Vancouver.
Meet Cass King
Cass King is a cabaret singer and writer. Her career-defining moment is a story her mother tells about losing a six year old Cass on a cruise ship, and finding her on stage entertaining a crowd, wearing a nightgown and a pair of striped socks. Cass is one of The Wet Spots, Vancouver’s acclaimed musical comedy duo, who won the Best Cabaret award at the Adelaide Fringe Festival in Australia. An international touring artist, Cass has performed at Massey Hall, the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, and the Sydney Opera House. Since 2009, Cass has been on the development team of Shine: A Burlesque Musical, a full-book musical tribute to the Neo Burlesque movement. You can follow Cass on Facebook and Twitter @cassking.
20 Questions with Cass King
1. Your first job.
I worked at the Red Barn Theatre in Jackson’s Point, Ontario. It was a 19th century barn, converted to a theatre in the 1940’s. I painted sets, worked in the box office, did a little sketch comedy. It was basically a perfect job for a 16 year old, and I’ve been trying to get back there ever since.
2. The job you always wanted as a child.
I wanted to be Liza Minelli as Sally Bowles in Cabaret.
3. Your pet peeve.
Peeves make terrible pets. They shit everywhere.
4. Your hero.
Elderly LGBTQ people who paved the way for us.
5. Your biggest indulgence.
Classic Rock.
6. One thing no one knows about you.
I don’t like sandwiches.
7. Three things you would want with you on a deserted island.
Shelter, food, water. Unimaginative, I know, but I gotta go with Maslow on this one.
8. The one word your best friend would use to describe you.
Loving.
9. If you were not pursuing a career in theatre, what would you be doing right now?
Creating something else. Maybe fashion or costume design.
10. Hero or villain?
Both. #GeminiPrivilege
11. Your life’s motto/mantra.
“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.”
12. The song that gets the most play on your iTunes playlist.
“Under Pressure” by Queen/Bowie.
13. The last movie you saw.
“We are Twisted F***ing Sister” on Netflix.
14. If you were a cartoon character what cartoon character would you be and why?
Bugs Bunny. Something about the cross-dressing.
15. What will it say on your grave marker?
“Work is much more fun than fun.” Noel Coward.
16. Who would you most like to have dinner with?
Prince.
17. Your idea of happiness.
A sense of achievement, a feeling of fulfillment, and a new inspiration.
18. The one thing in your life that makes you most proud.
I have loving, long term polyamorous relationships. Love has conquered jealousy and fear, every time.
19. If you could go back in time, what would you tell your 20-year old self?
Enjoy that butt while it lasts.
20. To be or not to be?
Be. Definitely be.