Magic Cabaret
A new show format is set to premiere in May. The Magic Cabaret is coming to the Toihaus in Salzburg. On 22 and 23 May, the performers will fire up the time machine – taking the audience on a journey back to the 1920s and 1930s. The Magic Cabaret puts a queer spin on the artistic charm of that era.
The format was launched under the banner of our beloved drag collective Magic Garage, known for its Drag O Ween and ARGE shows. Calamity Jane, the event’s main organiser, aims to use the cabaret show to bring the art form of burlesque more into the spotlight. Burlesque is a form of entertainment that really took off in the USA in the 1920s and 1930s.
The atmosphere of smoky dance halls
In smoke-filled dance halls, amidst copious amounts of alcohol and thick cigarette smoke, performers—usually dressed in revealing outfits—showed off their talents. They sang, danced and entertained the audience. Even back then, burlesque combined satire, dance, music, comedy and deliberately provocative sensuality.
The Magic Cabaret Show features six experienced performers from a variety of artistic disciplines. Many of these artists are well known for their performances at the Magic Garage. The line-up includes Calamity Jane (also acting as hostess), Limon, Nicole Klitman, Silvia Prighdt, Mal Dito and special guest Kiki Caribe.
“A strong line-up”
Together, they bring dance, live singing, lip-syncing and comedy to the stage. “I’m personally really looking forward to the show,” says Silvia Prighdt. “We’ve got a strong line-up of performers.”
Musically, Magic Cabaret navigates the tension between classic cabaret numbers, including pieces from Zarah Leander’s repertoire, whose work is deliberately placed within a queer context and critically re-examined. Historical references such as ‘Das lila Lied’ – one of the first queer anthems of the early 20th century – bridge the gap between that wild past and our present day.
1920s cabaret
with a queer twist
“We’re also inviting people to dress in 1920s style to match the theme. So go ahead and don your feather boas and braces,” concludes co-organiser Silvia Prighdt. “It’s going to be an evening full of glitz and glamour at the Magic Cabaret.”
Sebastian Brandstätter
Tickets for the Magic Cabaret at the Toihaus on 22 May & 23 May are available here. The show consists of two parts and an interval. The presentation is in German. The song lyrics alternate between German and English.
Welcome to the Cabaret!
"Willkommen, welcome, bienvenue" sang Liza Minelli in the 1972 film musical "Cabaret". At the end of the 1920s, a very liberal attitude to life prevailed in Berlin. Until the Nazis came to power. The musical "Cabaret", based on the novel "Good-bye to Berlin" by Christopher Isherwood, was written in 1966 and can be seen at the Salzburg Landestheater from 13 May. [Read more]
Salzburg: A Drag Hotspot
Compared to major cities such as Vienna, Munich or Berlin, Salzburg, with its population of just under 160,000, is a relatively small city. What is certainly not small in Salzburg, however, is the city’s drag scene, which has been establishing itself in the city of Mozart for more than five years. We explore why Salzburg can call itself a drag stronghold and what motivates the artists. [Read more]
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