Belly Of A Drunken Piano - Tom Waits and Randy Newman

Belly Of A Drunken Piano

A doubleheader: Tom and Randy

Stewart D'Arrietta takes you on a trip through the world of the songwriter’s songwriter, Randy Newman, along with a lively, passionate and demented rock journey through Tom Waits catalogue.

Randy Newman was a musical genius who won 4 Grammys, an Oscar and an Emmy. He was an award-winning composer for animated films, notably the 'Toy Story' theme, ‘You’ve Got A Friend In Me’.  

He wrote the satiric 'Short People', and many songs which became hits for others, like Joe Cocker’s 'You Can  Keep Your Hat On’, Three Dog Night's ‘Mama Told Me Not To Come’, Bette Midler's ‘I think It’s Going To Rain Today’ and Linda Rondstat's ‘Feels Like Home’.

Rolling Stones Magazine describes his songs as ‘slippery storytelling, pointed, social observation and rapturous melodies’.

With Stewart' D'Arrietta's empassioned renditions at the piano, we are reminded of how many great Randy Newman songs we know and love!

This is for Randy Newman fans, Tom Waits fans and anyone who loves music, storytelling and all round great entertainment.

Stewart D’Arrietta shares his love affair with Tom Waits ‘the prince of melancholy's brilliant songs, and brings Waits’ colourful misfits to life.

In his inimitable way, D’Arrietta adds humour, joy and a whole new dimension to the music.

The show premiered in 2005 at The Soho Playhouse New York.
‘Electrifying' by Variety
'Rollicking' by The New Yorker
'Rock solid emotion' by The New York Times

It went on to play The Edinburgh Fringe in 2007, Montreal Jazz Festival and London Riverside Studios in 2008.

It re-emerged in 2018 at the Adelaide Fringe Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival where it was a smash hit and collected all 5 star reviews.

‘One of the ten best shows of the 2018 Edinburgh Fringe’ - The Sunday Times.

‘Astonishing… an expert pianist with a fine voice’ - The Adelaide Advertiser.

'Gut wrenching passion... an absolute knock out’ - The Australian

‘D’Arrietta is the king of whiskey, smoke and late nights… For anyone who enjoys rock ballads and exceptional performances, this is a show not to be missed.’ - Broadway World

‘Stewart D'Arrietta is a national treasure, an integral part of our cultural fabric. There is nothing he can't do at his keyboard’ - Glenn A Baker

A romp through 30 of Tom Waits best hits: ‘Waltzing Matilda’, ’Red Shoes', 'Going Out West', 'Martha', 'Ol 55', 'Hold On', 'Big In Japan'. 'God's Away', ‘ Christmas Card’… and many more.

‘Real musicians with a strong set, beautiful singing range, slick and sartorially turned-out. [Stewart D’Arrietta] has a phenomenal presence, no doubt about it.’ Deadline News

‘Worth stealing a dollar from your mama’s purse.’ - The Adelaide Sho