MEET THE CAST OF LOCA VIDA: What to expect when Speigeltent Newcastle HITS CIVIC PARK

The velvet curtains will rise again in Civic Park next month when Loca Vida brings an international collision of circus, cabaret, burlesque, musical theatre and dance to The Spiegeltent Newcastle.

Running from 4 September until 4 October, the new Strut & Fret production promises sky-high circus, high-energy choreography and a pulsing soundtrack delivered by seven performers from Australia, Cuba, Spain and the United States.

Conceived and directed by Scott Maidment, Loca Vida comes from the company behind Blanc de Blanc Encore and will also feature as part of Newcastle’s New Annual festival program.

Here’s who Newcastle audiences will meet inside the tent.

Fátima

Born and raised in Spain, Fátima is a Senegalese dancer and performer whose work combines power and elegance with a distinctive movement style. She has appeared on major international stages and brings an expressive, commanding presence to the Loca Vida ensemble.

Jake DuPree

Arkansas-born Jake DuPree made history as the first non-binary performer to appear at Paris cabaret institution Crazy Horse. Their credits include Dita Von Teese’s Von Follies, Kinky Boots at the Hollywood Bowl and Las Vegas appearances opening for Kylie Minogue and Christina Aguilera, alongside performances in Paris, Berlin, London and Sydney.

Melanie Hawkins

Melbourne performer Melanie Hawkins brings an extensive musical-theatre résumé to the production. Her credits include the lead role of Stephanie Mangano in Saturday Night Fever, the original Australian casts of Wicked and Strictly Ballroom the Musical, The Rocky Horror Show, King Kong and Hugh Jackman’s Broadway to Oz tour. Loca Vida is her fourth production with Strut & Fret.

Eben-Ezer

Cuban acrobatic duo and Guinness World Record holders, Eben-Ezer brings together contemporary dance and classical ballet with elite hand-to-hand acrobatics. The duo, National Circus School of Cuba graduates Nardelys Jiménez Águila and Rey David, create intricate, emotionally charged performances built on extraordinary strength, precision and trust.

Ruby McQueen

After moving from a small town near Yellowstone National Park to New York City to pursue musical theatre, Ruby McQueen found a new creative home in nightlife and circus. Drawing inspiration from the city’s drag and burlesque performers, she has trained in aerial straps and iron jaw, bringing both daring and theatrical flair to the cast.

Trent Owers

Sydney-based performer, writer and proud Kamilaroi man Trent Owers has worked across theatre, television and film. He appeared in the Australian premiere of Titanique and earned a Green Room Award nomination for playing Terk in Disney’s Tarzan. His stage credits also include The Sunshine Club, RENT and SUAVE, while screen audiences may recognise him from ABC’s In Our Blood.