Show and Tell: Up Close and Personal with The Can Can Cabaret

You'll find The Can Can in a downstairs hole-in-the-wall venue in Pike Place Market. The place is intimate to say the least, and that’s part of its charm. The new show Ice Cream features kid-friendly Can Can that is definitely up-close and entertaining. If you're touring the newly expanded Pike Place Market with out-of-town guests or grandparents, the show and available menu makes an excellent lunchtime break.

In Ice Cream, a gaggle of talented dancers and singers gather to give an effervescent show of matinee fun: high kicks, bright backdrops and lots and lots of dancing. Get ready to tap your toes, clap along and laugh (and possibly sing?) out loud as the energetic cast takes you through funny and sweet skits to the tune of cult classics from Grease and Hairspray. My fiancé and I sat right on the catwalk, where at one point a dancer knocked over my (thankfully empty) mimosa glass — so yes, they really are that close.

Wanna-be performers of any age in your family, but especially kids, will love the detailed view of the characters in action. There's Tom Tom the Phenomenon, Joel from Personnel, Lindy Lou, Alissa Bliss and Legs Benedict. For the more techy kids, another cool feature about Ice Cream is video mapping technology used in tandem with Fae Phalen’s choreography. Everyone was wowed by the shimmering lights and cute animations, making the show out of the ordinary and fun. It’s no wonder they call the show a “magnificent matinee!”

But wait, there’s more: not only do you get a peppy afternoon show, you also get an incredible meal. The Cabaret offers everything from simple breakfast favorites to delicious lunchtime sliders and more. I appreciated that Chef John Gilbert sources market-fresh foods, utilizing Pike Place in true Seattle fashion — and did I mention the yummy mimosas? Make sure to get there with enough time order your food and drinks before the show gets started — you won’t want to miss a beat. This Can Can is fun for the whole family.

Parents should know:

Can Can weekend matinees are open to all ages. Parents of especially shy kids should keep in mind that the performers will likely touch and talk to audience members, no matter how far from the stage you sit. During the show I attended, the performers seemed respectful about the clearly introverted individuals in the audience. On the other hand, kids eager to take part in the action will love it and it's hard to get bored with so much happening so close.

The content of the matinee shows included a little innuendo, but nothing crass. Some parents might find the outfits of the performers too risqué for little ones—silky short-shorts, a mermaid in a bra and tail, short dresses and shirtless men. Dancing was suggestive at times, including occasional gyrations, but was executed in a lighthearted manner. If you have specific questions, the Can Can suggests you give them a call beforehand.