Crazy, Sexy, Fun
Le Cabaret Noir and Vixens
Story by Kat Lyzun, Photo by Playhouse
At Le Cabaret Noir’s sold-out shows last year, the audience was thrilled, titillated, and at times moved to tears by the performances of Thunder Bay’s only burlesque-inspired group. It was sexy, it was fun, and it was powerful to see women embracing their sensuality on stage. This month, from June 11 to 14, the baddies are back at Cambrian Players Theatre with another bold, unapologetic celebration of self-love and female empowerment.
“I wouldn’t say we are traditional burlesque, but we take what we like about the burlesque world and make it our own, like a twist on an olden days vaudeville show,” says director and choreographer Jessi McCulloch. “We sing, we dance, we have lots of skits between our numbers—and yes, there is some nudity, but there is always a purpose to it. It’s about everything before the naked!”
“We like to make it fun, and not too serious. [We] love to celebrate owning our sexuality and take the stigma away from women being sexual beings, and doing what we want with our bodies,” she adds.
Le Cabaret Noir is scripted by McCulloch and Nancy Freeborn, and the performers all have singing, acting, and dancing in their repertoires, so you know this is going to be one heck of an event. Expect a spicy vibe from the moment you walk in the door—lean into it, wear black if you want, and feel free to engage with the show and performers, because they want you to have as much fun as they’re having.
Speaking of spicy vibes, if you’re looking for a great party, you won’t want to miss McCulloch’s red-hot dance group Vixens at NV Nightclub on June 7. Vixens is a dance-only performance—there’s no nudity, but like Le Cabaret Noir, it is all about celebrating female sexuality and body confidence. No experience is necessary to join Vixens, and the group celebrates all ages and body types. This year, they’ve added solo performances and more group numbers for a longer show.
“The community these women have built is unbelievable,” McCulloch says of Vixens. “They come in, they’re learning this new skill, and they’re learning it with other women. I hope people can see that on stage—a group of women of all ages coming together to own their sexuality and sexiness and just take the stigma away from the idea that women can only be one thing.”
Vixens perform at NV on June 7; Le Cabaret Noir runs June 12–14 at Cambrian Players Theatre. Get tickets for both shows on Eventbrite and follow their socials for sneak peeks and updates.