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🎭 Cabaret: from Paris to Broadway

Last updated Mar 3, 2025

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What should a tourist know about the cabaret?

The splendor of red velvet, gold, crystal and dazzlingly beautiful exotic dancers – chic, sparkle, beauty! I invite you to the exquisite world of cabaret. From the moment of their creation to the present day, these entertainment establishments have attracted numerous spectators. What's the secret? Let's figure it out.

How did cabaret begin?

It all started very interesting. It was in 1881 in Paris. Rodolphe Salis opened the first cabaret “Black Cat” in Montmartre. Talented poets and musicians, as well as beautiful dancers, appear on its stage. One-act plays and sketches, musical numbers in the style of chanson and dance performances are staged here.

Next door is a diner called “Killer Cabaret.” Here, however, they don’t kill anyone—they just conduct verbal duels on semi- literary topics. In 1902, the famous chansonnier Aristide Bruant bought the zucchini. And he orders his friend Anre Gilles a new sign. On a red house with green shutters, he draws a nimble rabbit, which at the last moment jumps out of the cook’s pan.

Thanks to this drawing, the establishment gets a new name – “Agile Rabbit”. And at the same time, its entertainment program is changing. The diner turns into a cabaret.

“Cultural” and at the same time easy recreation is beginning to attract people. Soon the cabaret becomes a symbol of free life, a place where you can touch the forbidden without, as they say, tarnishing your reputation.

In 1889, the Paradis Latin cabaret building was erected 500 meters from Notre-Dame de Paris. Here the bourgeoisie, intellectuals, traders, workers and students meet. In particular, at that time one could see Balzac, Alexandre Dumas and Prosper Merimee at the table.

Another famous cabaret with its bohemian guests – “Moulin Rouge” – opened in the same 1889 on Place Blanche. The location was not chosen by chance. This once rural part of Paris is being transformed by hotels into a popular destination. That's how it all happened. True, it is unlikely that even the most optimistic forecasts of businessmen could have predicted such a colossal success of their business.

The establishment played a huge role in the work of the well-known artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Being among circus performers, singers, dancers and various kinds of talents, the young man felt like he belonged. This whole tempting, whimsical world, where everyone is an audience and, at the same time, everyone is an actor, becomes the world of Toulouse-Lautrec.

Here's another story from Moulin Rouge. In 1893, one of the dancers caused a real sensation by going completely naked on stage during a performance. The determined girl's name was Mona. And it was she who laid the foundation for the dance direction of the erotic genre – striptease. True, the police fined her 100 francs for that speech. However, the dance style still took root and soon became popular in cabarets.

In the 80s and 90s of the 19th century, cabarets, like mushrooms after rain, appeared in various cities of France, and then in other European countries. Over time, the program of stylish establishments “overgrows” with luxurious revues: feathers, rhinestones, sparkles, fabulous decorations, original music performed by an orchestra.

On stage, one performance combines drama, opera and ballet with circus and step dance, variety acts and parody. Cabaret performers instantly transform into a wide variety of images. And all this together is accompanied by witty performances by the entertainer. The festive and burlesque spirit only expands with time.

Cabaret today

Today, the most famous directors and designers are attracted to stage cabaret shows. Even real stars do not consider it shameful to participate in it. Spectators are always amazed by the extraordinary special effects that are used by directors rich in invention. Waterfalls and fireworks, laser pictures and fantastic sound make the performance completely unforgettable.

The most popular and truly spectacular cabaret programs – of course, in Paris e. Lido, Moulin Rouge, Crazy Horse, Cesar Palace Paris, Paradis Latin – are heard all over the world. Among the spectators today you are unlikely to meet a native Frenchman. Now tourists are buying all the tickets. I wish you to be among them.

What should a tourist know about the cabaret?

Now about the urgent matter. What is important to know if you have included the Parisian cabaret in your tourist program. All shows will be understandable to English-speaking viewers. If the program is in French, it must be accompanied by subtitles.

There is another option that you do not know any of the proposed languages. Then you can choose a production consisting exclusively of dance and musical numbers. These also exist.

Tickets can be easily purchased online. At the entrance, just show the screen on your phone and you will be given tickets. You must arrive at the theater in advance. At least 15 minutes before the start of the performance. Then the doors close and it will be impossible to get inside. Before your arrival, the hotel's maître will draw up a seating plan for guests and escort you to your seat as soon as you arrive. You won’t be able to choose a table or sofa yourself. Everything has already been done for you.

Ah, cabaret, cabaret! Most tickets include champagne and a light appetizer or even a whole dinner. But be careful, guests are asked to refrain from eating during the performance. Before and after – eat for your health. It is also prohibited to film the show with phones or other recording devices. There is no single dress code for cabaret. Casual (light) chic and elegance in the image are welcome.

Shows can last from one to three hours, including intermissions. Many have an age limit. You can come with children to evening programs only if they are already 14 years old. Otherwise, the cabaret's playbill also includes children's performances. Mostly these are musicals.

In terms of cost, here's the picture:

you can simply enter the cabaret theater and watch the show for 40 euros;
enjoying the program with a bottle of sparkling wine will cost you 135 euros;
If you want to have dinner before or after the performance, your fee is 180 euros;
and a complete set: sparkling wine + dinner + show = 200 euros and more.

All prices are per person.