BANGOR, Maine — Her Majesty’s Cabaret will present a lineup of talented Maine performers at 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, at the Thai Siam Restaurant & Lounge.
“It’s a celebration through music and expression. It’s just a gigantic party,” said cabaret producer and emcee Zachary Robbins of Bangor. “The audience should expect an excessive amount of theater. Everyone come prepared for a really fun show that you won’t normally see without paying a large amount of money.”
Robbins was inspired by events in central Maine, carnivals, indie rock shows and the contemporary neo-burlesque movement seen in cities across the country.
“The first cabaret is the flagship, and I’d say there might be more,” said Robbins.
The cabaret is a form of eclectic entertainment originating from a time before television and computers, in late 1800s Paris. The events, which mix a restaurant setting with music, dance and other displays of talent, grew popular and spread to the United States.
“They can expect the unexpected,” Robbins said. “It’s an adult variety show, and I prefer to have it in a smaller setting because it’s much more intimate and you get more bang for your buck.”
The floorshow will include Professor Miller, a Blue Hill magician and performer; Bangor’s own AO & Sennyo, a belly dancer and hoop dancer; the Abrasive Cockroach, a Bangor-based comedy duo; vocalist Sarah Farnham and pianist Colin Graebert.
“My biggest thing is that I don’t outsource my talent. Everyone is from Maine. The two farthest distances people are coming from are Ellsworth and MDI [Mount Desert Island],” said Robbins. “That is the trend I’m going to continue. We have these incredible acts in our backyard, and I don’t see the point in going south of the Mason-Dixon Line.”
The VIP audience, those who pay $10 upon entry, will gain the privilege of enjoying a selection of Thai appetizers and drinks.
Audience age is limited to 21 and over.
“It’s going to be edgy. It’s going to have humor not for the younger folks,” said Robbins.
The doors open at 8:30 p.m. and the scheduled show begins at 9 p.m., but “the show really begins the moment you step through the door and it ends when you leave,” said Robbins.
Organizers “heavily encourage” the audience to wear costumes and special attire.
“There’s no theme whatsoever. Come step outside your comfort zone,” said Robbins. “Come dressed like Elton John or David Bowie. All the best parties I go to are with costumes, and this is a great party that is supporting downtown.”
The program is planned to last about an hour and a half, but Belfast garage band The Class Machine will rock out after the performances. They plan to keep the party rolling until closing time.
The festive event is purely a Bangor show, supported by a number of local businesses and at a venue at the heart of downtown.
“Bangor, you’re going to learn fast that people in their 20s are fed up and want to be here for our community and show that this community is accessible as long as there are acts out there,” Robbins said.
The cabaret venue, Thai Siam Lounge & Bar, has been promoting the underground arts scene in Bangor by hosting Maine musicians, DJs and poets.
Sponsoring businesses and individuals include Bella Hair Studio, Giacomos, Metropolitan Soul, Bella Luna, Carriage House Catering, American Retro, Herbal Tea & Tobacco, Main Street Alternative, Bennett’s Market, Chris Viner and Cara Oleksyk.
Aaron Noble of Penobscot Theater will provide lighting expertise.
“The cabaret will happen when it needs to happen, it’s kind of like a super hero,” said Robbins. “But I’ll tell you this, people need diversity when it’s cold out, so get your parkas out and get ready because we are going to make the wintertime warm.”
For information, call Zachary Robbins at 991-1211.