Scott Shoemaker's been performing in Seattle for the last 15 years, starting in small acting gigs, then in Ian Bell's Brown Derby series. "That became a place I could get my comedy chops honed," he said.

Then "[my partner] Freddy [Molitch] came up with the Ms. Pak-Man idea, thinking it would be funny to be the washed-up diva, eating power pellets," he added.

"This [performing as Ms. Pak-Man] was a big part of our life since 2014," but like virtually every other performer, Shoemaker's life abruptly shut down in March 2020. "And our home base, Re-Bar, shut down for good!"

But they came up with a Christmas show through The Stranger: a streaming platform with pay-per-view option. "It helped keep us connected with that part of our lives and careers," Shoemaker said."

"We had to learn more about film and figure out how to make a feature-length video in front of a green screen, so our cast didn't have to be at the same place at the same time. We did all the filming separately, and edited everyone into the scene together. Freddy and I had to learn how to do all that. But there wasn't the response coming from a live audience, and it didn't feel the same at all."

When it seemed like live performances were going to be okay again, Shoemaker was excited to bring back the next (his sixth!) iteration of his cabaret performance of the iconic messy, chaotic Ms. Pak-Man of the 1980s. "She sings! She dances! She drinks! She might black out! There's a chance she won't remember the show, but you will!" says the PR.

The plan, COVID-emergency shutdown excepted, is to follow all required safety precautions for the performances. But they are already selling out some of the shows in their four-day stand, so if you're ready to cabaret, get your '80s on in a hurry! (But call ahead before you leave the house!)

Ms. Pak-Man: Breakout! by Shoes and Pants Productions will be at Odd Fellows West Hall, September 9–12, 2021. Proof of vaccine and masks will be required. Get tickets at https://tinyurl.com/j926wbcw/