What is a Cabaret?

If you ever have the opportunity to experience a cabaret, take it. While cabaret as an art form has transformed over the years, it remains an entertaining performance of acting and singing that showcase the talents of the performers involved. 

The magnificent sets and elaborate costumes of traditional stage shows are stripped away, leaving the audience with a piano, stage, and performers. Yet, due to the intimacy between the performer and the audience, the performance is all-consuming. 

To truly understand it, you have to experience it. In the meantime, to give you an idea of what you can expect, this article will take a closer look at what a cabaret show is and what sets it apart from other types of performance art. 

Cabaret: The Music 

Because cabarets are often found in a nightclub or lounge-type venue or performed alongside dinner and cocktails, it is all too often lumped into the category of lounge singing. However, cabaret is so much more. 

The music you will hear can be anything, including Broadway, folk music, jazz music, and even iconic hits. The voice of the performer shines bright no matter what is performed. And the emotion of the song is transmitted without having to have any other props or big to-dos. 

Unlike traditional stage shows that often have various types of musical accompaniment, cabarets often have a piano to keep the show flowing. But, don’t worry, you will never feel that anything is missing when it comes to these incredible musical performances. 

Cabaret: The Storytelling

In addition to the music, a cabaret will almost always have some storytelling. This can include communication between the actors but it is typically a monologue. Either way, the story is always told directly to the audience, even addressing them at times.

A cabaret show will go back and forth between all the performances, from singing to monologues and around again. All with a seamless transition, fitting together as one uniform show.

Cabaret: The Emotions

The performers in cabaret fully embrace their role in the show and it always shines through on stage. In turn, those in the audience feel the emotions the actors portray — and it can be infectious. 

There is no set theme or box that a cabaret must fit into. Rather, they bring the emotion and the audience feels it. It can be anything, from heartwarming and heartbreak to humor and everything in between. 

Cabaret shows you that the power of performance can be felt even when everything else is stripped away.  

Experience a Dinner Cabaret at the Forestburgh Tavern

This summer, on Tuesdays through Fridays at 6:00 pm, you can experience the magnificence of the cabaret while sipping on refreshing cocktails and indulging in fabulous food at The Tavern. There is no other perfect way to top off a summer day. 

Don’t miss the talent at the cabaret —- or the lineup on the main stage. Get your tickets today!