Meet the team behind Portland's Paris Theatre

After years of anticipation, the lights of Portland’s historic Paris Theatre are about to shine again. The 1890 landmark has been lovingly restored under the care of Chris and Fae Pink, founders of Seattle’s celebrated Can Can Culinary Cabaret. With their signature mix of artistry, heart, and a little mischief, the duo is breathing new life into Old Town for a new era of performance, community, and joy.

Ahead of opening night, Chris and Fae shared a behind-the-scenes look at bringing the Paris Theatre back to life, reviving its sparkle, spirit, and stage for a new generation.

THECANCAN.COM: What drew you to the Paris Theatre, and what made you decide now was the right moment to bring Can Can to Portland?

Chris Pink: I’ve had my eye on the Paris Theatre for a long time. The first time I saw it was back in 2007, after a show at Dante’s. I remember standing there, looking at that old marquee and saying out loud, “This is the future home of Can Can.” It was kind of a wild dream at the time, but it stuck with me. Portland has always been a part of our story. We used to perform here all the time in those early years, and the creative energy this city has always felt familiar. When the opportunity came up to save the theatre, it finally felt like the right moment to bring that dream full circle.

Fae Pink: For me, there’s also a personal connection. My great-grandfather had a cigar shop a few blocks away in the early 1900s. When we found that out, it felt like the universe was giving us a sign. This space, the theatre, has a pull to it; like it’s been waiting for artists to bring it back to life again.

THECANCAN.COM: Saving and rebuilding a 19th-century theatre sounds monumental. What were some of the biggest surprises or challenges during the process?

Chris: Where do I start? Every time you peel back a layer in a building like that,  you’re met with a surprise. Some good, some not so good. Chris laughs. The biggest challenge was balancing the need for modern structure and safety while keeping the original character intact. It wasn’t just about restoring the look of the place, but also rebuilding its bones so it can stand for another hundred years.

THECANCAN.COM: The Paris Theatre has such a deep history. How did you approach honoring its past while reimagining it for a new generation of artists and audiences?

Chris: With a lot of respect. The theatre has been so many iterations since it was built. It’s been a burlesque house, a cinema, a vaudeville theatre, a music venue, a porn theatre, and then a club again. We didn’t want to erase that history. Instead, we wanted to honor it by giving the theatre a chance to evolve again. Every generation deserves to experience a space like this as their own.

Fae: I think about that balance everyday. As a choreographer, I’m always thinking about how tradition and innovation can coexist together. We kept as much of the original design as possible, but we’re also making it a space where new art can thrive. The goal is to create an energy in this space where the past and the present can dance together.

THECANCAN.COM: Can Can is known for creating sustainable, artist-centered spaces. How does that philosophy guide what you’re building here in Portland?

Chris: From day one, we’ve believed that artists deserve stability and respect. The work we do takes real time, training, and care. The Paris Theatre will follow that same model. Every performer, technician, and staff member will be treated as a core part of the company. That’s how you build something that lasts.

Fae: It also means nurturing creativity in a way that feels human. Artists need room to experiment, to fail, to grow. We want this space to be a place where that kind of exploration is encouraged.

THECANCAN.COM: What can you tell us about the debut production planned for the Paris Theatre?

Fae: The show will have all the talent, humor, and heart that people expect from Can Can, but it will also celebrate the rebirth of this theatre. It’s a love letter to Portland and to the people who’ve believed in this space from the start.

Chris: I couldn’t have said it better. It’s going to be everything people love about Can Can, but seen through a Portland lens. We’re collaborating with local artists, vendors, architects, to make something that feels authentic to the city. It’s not just a show we’re bringing down from Seattle. It’s a brand-new creation, built here.

THECANCAN.COM: When opening night finally arrives, what do you hope that moment represents for you, for Old Town, and for Portland’s creative community?

Fae: I hope it feels like a celebration! A reminder that creativity can heal and rebuild, even after the hardest chapters. I hope when the curtains rise, we all feel proud of what this community made happen together.

Chris: For me, it’s about renewal. The Paris Theatre has always been a special part of Old Town, and we’re honored to help write its next chapter. The arts have this way of bringing people together and reminding us why these spaces matter. I hope that when those lights come up, everyone feels proud to see this theatre shining again.

Tickets are now available for Can Can’s debut production at the Paris Theatre. ‘Twas the Night Before Nutcracker premieres November 20 with a special preview performance, followed by the full public opening on November 21.