Homegrown talent

Connie Chang is unapologetic. The LA-based publicist’s upcoming visit to Sydney will be about one thing.

Everybody wants Connie Chang, said the self-professed agent to the stars. I thought I’d come to Sydney and give a little.

Hence the Connie Chang Cabaret Roadshow, an all-singing, all-dancing affair that opens in Kings Cross this month.

The show is billed as an interactive talent quest in which a cast of local hopefuls -“ portrayed by NIDA graduates -“ compete for a contract in Los Angeles.

And at the centre of things will be Chang, the wacky creation of former NIDA student Adriano Cappelletta.

One night I was at this party. All the guys were in the lounge room and all the girls were trying on clothes, Cappelletta said of the origin of his alter ego.

So I just went into the girls’ room, and we were just trying on clothes, and then they started saying, -˜What kind of character are you? Then I went home and thought: maybe I could write a show about this. About this crazy, vile woman who is so American.

In spite of her name, Chang is no mirror image of famed American newsreader Connie Chung.

This publicist has her own, dramatic story to tell -“ and she may reveal all during her roadshow.

I’m going to disclose a few stories about my time in Hollywood in the Golden Age, as well as hanging out with Lil’ Kim and Snoop Dogg at the Grammys this year, Chang said.

Audiences can also expect a taste of Chang’s diverse musical repertoire.

I do a bit of hip-hop and I do some show tunes and some pop as well.

For all her accolades, however, one thing has eluded Chang so far.

I don’t want to give too much away, but I’ve come to Kings Cross to find my mother, Chang said.

Chang’s mother was once a nightclub performer in the Cross, it turns out, and Connie may be Sydney-born.

But the Cabaret Roadshow host isn’t about to let a missing mum steal the spotlight.

I get a little emotional in the show, Chang admitted. But I just want to be real for the people, with no cameras, no photographers, no paparazzi -“ just Connie.

Connie Chang’s Cabaret Roadshow is at Bar Me, Kings Cross May 18 – 22. $23/ $18, or $30 for dinner and show. Bookings: 9368 0894 or www.barme.com.au