Nestled in the middle of Post Alley, Can Can Culinary Cabaret may not be the first sight you see on a stroll near Pike Place Market. But don't let its inconspicuous entrance fool you. Once inside the underground theatre, you'll quickly forget the bustle of downtown amid a wash of red drapery, chandeliers, and candlelight.
The performers at Can Can are kicking off the new year with their Paris-inspired show, Ooh La La!, a combination of burlesque, singing, dancing, and audience-integrated fun.
In a refreshing turn of events, the cast all don glamorous sequined masks; with Omicron ravaging Seattle, it is nice to see performers protected in the workplace. And the facial coverings do not stop them from singing loud and clear.
Every possible inch of the space is utilized in one way or another. The stage is V-shaped, with a rounded center stage that juts into the audience at catwalk width. The railings lining the stage are just thick enough to strut across in heels, long metal bars line the ceiling for acrobatic tricks, and servers and performers alike squeeze through the audience to incorporate every table into the show.
Ooh La La!, which clocks in at around 90 minutes, is split into three segments, interspersed with five-minute breaks to order food and drink. Can Can offers a full menu of Parisian-influenced Northwest starters, entrees, and desserts featuring ingredients from local farms and businesses, as well as drinks. The servers are very friendly and attentive.
Emcee Jonathan Betchtel kicks off the show with some rules and audience engagement. On the night I attended, he picked a lanky man from the crowd to be his "hype guy," pulling him along the stage extensions for some endearingly awkward dancing. If you raise your hand when asked, prepare to get involved!
The stunning cabaret performers alternated dance numbers in groups of "boys" and "girls," often joining together for ensemble songs before the breaks. The girls wore shimmering costumes of less and less pink material, down to pasties. They had all the feathers and corsets expected of burlesque. The boys had their fair share of classic suspender looks and cheeky feminine accents.
Songs included "I Love Paris," "Let's Do It," and a particularly beautiful cover of "La vie en rose." Dance numbers were typically accompanied by electro-swing (think Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby). Performances escalated in complexity, leading up to finale numbers with Cirque du Soleil-esque bells and whistles. At one point, Betchtel spins, suspended from a bar, faster than you would think a human could.
The production was an artistic joy, reveling in the romanticism of Paris with a Gay flare. Host Betchtel's racy commentary aimed to embarrass families that decided to brave a burlesque show together. Ooh La La was equal parts sexual, sensual, and just plain fun. One audience member even got an ensemble lap dance of sorts to celebrate his birthday. It's the perfect venue for a date night or small group.
So if you are on the hunt for over-the-top spectacle, lovely vocal performances, and dance moves of impressive physicality, look no further.
Ooh La La! can be seen Wednesdays through Sundays at 6:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays have an additional 9:30 p.m. time slot. All shows are ages 21 and up. The show runs until May 1, 2022. Tickets range from $49 to $195; some secure just a seat, while others include meal options. Can Can is also hosting a special Valentine's Day Week celebration February 11-14.