From Prohibition through the Great Depression, to countless restrictions and changes in the logistics of live performance, cabaret has remained a subversive and intimate medium. Though the COVID-19 pandemic delayed live entertainment as we knew it, many venues have bounced back with their own safety protocols (for patrons and performers) in place. Thanks to rigorous employee testing, Can Can Culinary Cabaret has brought back its postponed 2020 show Lola with perfectionist attention to detail after two years of waiting.
Based on the plot of Barry Manilow's seventies hit "Copacabana," the show (loosely) tells the story of Lola, a showgirl torn between her fling with bartender Tony and the temptation of the Copacabana's rival restaurant bartender, Rico. Like all cabaret, it is spectacle over plot — you may be pressed to trace too strong of a story, but you'll know who is who because everyone is stunning, and the cast's presence outweighs the need for a detailed narrative.
Can Can co-owner Jonathan Betchtel plays the titular Lola, costumed throughout in decadent headpieces, bedazzled accessories, and often, near nothing at all. He is equal parts emcee (expect lots of crowd work) and showgirl, jumping straight from interactive audience embarrassment to elaborate dance sequences. His toying with front-row showgoers breaks the ice, inviting audiences into the hypersexual world of Lola's affairs. Whether spinning on dangling props or strip-teasing special guests, Betchtel captivates and exudes a love of live entertainment.
Multihyphenate Richard Peacock plays Tony, who woos Lola and the audience with a charming smile, strong voice, and insanely sculpted physique. His dance skills shine bright, and his macho sex appeal plays wonderfully off of Rico's slender figure and mysterious feminine energy in the love triangle.
Donning a corny fake moustache, co-producer and dancer Shadou Mintrone as Rico camps up the show with drag king flair, a hairy bodysuit, and banana penis gags. From the moment Rico emerges through the back curtains, coyly taking cigarette drags, he captivates with eye contact and frequent winks.
Showgirls Hannah Mooney and Jasmine Jean Sim strut about, the latter belting out a showstopping solo at the tail end of the production. The entire cast sings throughout, and there's nary a missed note to be found.
The costume work shines perhaps the brightest in Lola. Bows adorn Tony's head and briefs (front and back). Feathered cabaret headpieces shimmer, looking all the more beautiful alongside goofy props, including a large apple, stuffed snake, and spinning pineapple bed. Lola bounces from lowbrow to highbrow and back again, stunning and kidding in turns in this unpretentious but high-caliber performance.
At this past Sunday's sold-out show, a diverse crowd of cabaret enthusiasts, unsuspecting straight husbands, college roommates, and entire families gathered for the evening performance. Tourists and locals mingled, Can Can's setup serving as a catalyst for friendly banter between tables. Servers expertly dodged performers and audience members, balancing cocktails, shots, and burgers alike. Can Can's Disneyland-adjacent decoration combined fancy frills with kitschy fun.
While I only got truffle fries and an Old Fashioned, they were very good fries, and the cocktail was perfect. Others ordered multicourse meals with ingredients sourced from an impressive array of local vendors.
Rarely have I been to a venue with such unanimous positivity from the servers, performers, and patrons. And artistic director Chris Pink voiced his obvious enthusiasm for bringing Lola back in a recent press release:
"We are head over heels that we finally get to release Lola into the wild after being shelved in the midst of the pandemic. [Though it was originally meant to premiere] in May of 2020, the break offered us some extra time to fine-tune all of the accouterments that make Can Can shows so special: original music, new costumes, and a fully inclusive scripted storyline. It definitely feels great to be in the swing of things in our brand-new home in the Pike Place Market."
Lola runs evenings (except Mondays and Tuesdays) until August 28. Tickets and more information can be found at: https://www.thecancan.com/.