Seattle Pride: 10 Businesses That Sparkle with Support and Celebration
As Pride Month approaches, the vibrant city of Seattle is ready to paint the town with rainbows, love, and inclusivity. One remarkable aspect of this celebration is the multitude of businesses that actively support the LGBTQ+ community by donating to Pride-related organizations and charities. From small local shops to popular food and beverage establishments, Seattle is filled with businesses that go the extra mile. Join us as we highlight 10 remarkable places that not only offer fantastic experiences but also give back to the community during Pride Month.
Taste of the Season: Spring 2023 Menu
If you’re reading this on an empty tummy, prepare to be hit with an intense wave of cravings. We’re here to break down some of the most scrumptious dishes and most irresistible drinks on our brand new Spring 2023 menu for the Dressing Room and Can Can Theatre.
Our kitchen full of talented flavor connoisseurs and our bar of craft cocktail magicians have designed a food and drink menu that truly gives us the taste of the season. This spring, we’re indulging in freshness, bursts of flavor, and oh-so-satisfying textures.
Keep reading to feed your soul (and your tummy).
Interview: Katie Carter of Pride Foundation
To celebrate this year’s Pride, Can Can is absolutely honored to be partnering with Pride Foundation, one of the organizations uniting and empowering the Northwest’s LGBTQ+ community.
Founded in the dire need for resilience, Pride Foundation has been serving the five-state region of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington since 1985, and their ability to support both individuals and entire communities of folks fighting for inclusivity, safety, and hope has only grown since.
We were able to sit down with Katie Carter, Pride Foundation’s CEO, to learn about the perennial foundation’s beginnings, goals, and how, every day, it embodies the values of courage, integrity, innovation, and hope in everything they do.
Keep reading to join the fight for a world in which every LGBTQ+ individual can live as their full, authentic selves, safely and proudly, no matter where they call home.
Interview: The Language of Dance with Rey Rodriguez
NOIR brings Can Can and all of its guests into a world of sultry hypnosis and irresistible revelry. The latest show also brings us Rey Rodriguez, a brand new face on the Can Can stage hailing all the way from Cuba.
Born and blossomed in a culture of dance, Rodriguez has never stopped moving to the rhythm of his life’s unique song in all of its ups, downs, and perfect pivots. From countless auditions to teaching ballroom lessons in downtown Seattle – a style he had never explored before stepping foot in the studio – Rodriguez has truly mastered the universal language of dance.
Despite being far from where his journey initially began, Rodriguez feels as if he is finally “at home” here at Can Can.
Read on to hear all the dreams come true, details, and more.
The Art of Illuminating Shadows: An interview with Robbie Matos
Step into a world where shadows dance with mystery, and intrigue lurks around every corner. Can Can is set to mesmerize audiences once again with their latest show, NOIR.
In this spellbinding production, Robbie Matos, the technician behind the captivating lighting design as well as the sound and projection engineering, takes center stage. With his visionary approach, Matos reveals the transformative power of light, elevating the NOIR aesthetic to new heights and immersing viewers in an alluring journey through the shadows.
Get ready to be transported into a world of suspense and seduction as we delve into the artistry of NOIR and the illuminating brilliance of Robbie Matos.
Making the Music of Noir with Pink and Pezzner
Well my friends, hold on to your seats because we’re bringing in the heat with Can Can’s latest production, NOIR! This sultry show is guaranteed to leave you breathless with its seductive dance numbers and theatrical flair. And, of course, no Can Can production is complete without Pink and Pezzner’s entrancing soundscape mesmerizing the room with every beat.
But, how does one create the perfect soundtrack for a show as steamy as this? I suggest you buckle up because we're about to take you on a wild ride behind the scenes and uncover the secrets behind the music that makes NOIR so darn irresistible.
The Pike Place Market Foundation: An Interview with Patricia Gray
We’re still riding the high of celebrating Can Can’s 18th Can Canniversary, and we’re delighted to throw even more confetti for a dear, dear friend of ours. This month, we had the pleasure of interviewing Patricia Gray, the Director of Philanthropy for the Pike Place Market Foundation, about the growing impact of the foundation and how it's nurtured a healthy and thriving community within Seattle over the last 40 years.
Celebrating 18 Years of Can Can Through the Lens of Nate Watters
Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to grab your champagne glasses and throw some confetti because Can Can Culinary Cabaret is celebrating its 18th anniversary! And what better way to mark this special occasion than to showcase the talent of our incredible photographer, Nate Waters? Nate has been capturing the magic and glamour of Can Can for years, capturing our wildest moments and turning them into memories that will last a lifetime, and we feel so fortunate to have him as part of our team. To commemorate our 18th birthday, Nate has put together a collection of his top 18 photos that perfectly capture the energy and spirit of our beloved Cabaret. So, let's raise a glass to Can Can and enjoy some of Nate's amazing work!
18 Years of Can Can with Chris Pink
What started out as a little cabaret theatre hosting traveling rock bands and local performers has now, 18 years later, turned into one of Seattle’s most unique and empowering havens of damn good entertainment, damn good food, and damn good friends.
We sat down with Chris Pink, the founder and owner of where we call home, to hear more about our tantalizing theatre’s first steps, how failure cultivates success, and what he’d tell himself way back when before embarking on the wildly wonderful, divinely drudging journey that is Can Can.
Read on to take a trip down memory lane and celebrate the good, the bad, and the sexy over 18 years of Can Can.
Celebrating the Women of Can Can: An interview with Fae Pink
As Women's History Month is celebrated, we at Can Can are honored to highlight one of our own: the extraordinary Fae Pink.
Fae is not only the co-owner of Can Can, but she is also a trailblazer in the performing arts and business world. Her impressive career as an accomplished dancer and successful businesswoman has spanned the years, and she has continuously broken down barriers and uplifted women along the way.
Read on to explore Fae Pink's path to success and the pivots, and pirouettes, she’s made to revolutionize the dance environment into a space that empowers all.
Celebrating the Women of Can Can: Annie Arrasmith
Raise your glass, whether it’s water, whisky, or wine, to Annie Arrasmith, Can Can’s beautiful, badass Bar Manager and creative mind behind the cocktails.
Annie is proof that girls rule – especially behind the bar. To celebrate the Women of Can Can both on and off the stage, Annie sat down with us and shared all about how she continues to persist as a successful mixologist despite small-minded folks, dated gender norms, and even her own budding confidence.
“I stopped wanting to prove other people right or wrong about me and, more so, I just wanted to make myself know that this was something I wanted to do no matter if I was a man, woman, or whatever. I could be good at it and it had nothing to do with my genitalia. If I wanted to be good at it, it was up to me.”
Read on for a guaranteed, heavy pour of girl power.
Celebrating the Women of Can Can: Shadou Mintrone
Watching Shadou Mintrone perform is like watching power, confidence, and grace perfectly personified in the most sparkly get-up you can imagine.
What most folks may not realize, though, is that Mintrone’s power, confidence, and grace work just as hard off-stage as they do on, and that what we see on the surface is truly just the tip of this Woman of Can Can’s larger-than-life iceberg.
“I'm coming up on 10 years at Can Can now,” Mintrone shared. “And the ability that I have been granted to prove my hard work has been so empowering. I've never been told that I’m not working hard enough, but at Can Can, it's more like, ‘Hey, you work really hard, and you're really good at what you're doing. So, if you want to do more, you can.’”
From a decade's worth of show seasons to costuming her castmates, and from behind-the-scenes management to running auditions, Mintrone seems to do it all – and she truly does just keep doing more.
Ready to get inspired? Read on to learn more.
Interview: Embodying Androgyny with Richard Peacock
If you’ve visited Can Can’s theatre, you know Richard Peacock.
And if you know Richard Peacock, you know he hasn’t left a single crumb on our stage ever since joining the Can Can family in 2018.
From the adorable Sugarplum in Wonderland to the hilarious Frankly My Dear in Hitchcock Hotel, Peacock’s performances are, without a doubt, show-stealers. His current performance as Queen Astral in House of Hearts, however, absolutely demands (and deserves) the entire span of Can Can’s spotlight.
Black Arts Love: An Interview with Founder Malika Bennett
At our very core, we are all driven to discover the exact space where we belong, our true home. To find the place or the thing that brings us so much joy and fulfillment. Some spend their entire lives searching for it, but there are those rare individuals who have already found it, and their sheer passion and dedication radiates from them.
One of those people is, undoubtedly, Malika Bennett.
Malika is a passionate artist, educator, and community organizer based in Seattle, Washington. With a deep commitment to advancing Black arts and culture, she founded Black Arts Love, a grassroots organization dedicated to promoting and celebrating the creativity and expression of Black artists in the Pacific Northwest. Through a variety of programs and initiatives, Black Arts Love has become a vital hub for artists, cultural workers, and community members seeking to connect, collaborate, and showcase the beauty and richness of Black artistic traditions.
Read on to explore Malika's journey as an artist and activist, her vision for Black Arts Love, and the impact of her work on the Seattle art scene and beyond.
The Dressing Room: Going Deeper with Annie Arrasmith, Chris Pink, and Jerry Lariz
Ever wonder how those sizzling entrees and mouth-watering cocktails come to fruition? From the initial concept to the final dish, the process of creating a menu is a labor of love that requires creativity, experimentation, and attention to detail. Here at The Dressing Room, there are a few very special people that bring it all together. Let’s get cozy and take a peek behind the curtain at the hardworking individuals who make it all happen. From their unique backgrounds and specialties to their favorite dishes and funny moments, get ready to take a seat at the table and get to know the creatives behind the magic of The Dressing Room. In the following interview, Chris Pink (Artistic Director and Owner of Can Can), Jerry Lariz (Executive Chef), and Annie Arrasmith (Bar Manager and Mixologist) share a deep dive into our menu.
The Perfect Valentine’s Day Doesn’t exi-
Ladies and gentlemen, put down those boring Netflix and chill plans, and step up your Valentine's Day game! Seattle, the city of rain and romance, has got you covered with endless possibilities for the perfect V-Day. From breathtaking views to browsing classic vinyl, and everything in between, we're dishing out the most delightful date ideas to make your hearts skip a beat. So–grab your partner, some sweets, and a flannel because it's time to get ready for the ultimate love affair in the Emerald City!
Galentine’s Day is Taking Over Seattle
Well y’all, I think we did it. We partied with Oogie Boogie, drank the pumpkin-spiced lattes, welcomed a large man in a suit to slide down our chimneys, and bid farewell to 2022. Let’s all take a collective sigh of relief that the holiday season is over.
Except… *cue Jaws theme song* there's suddenly a wave of heart-shaped boxes and pink-colored everything taking over the aisles of retail stores across the nation.
Yes, the V word is right around the corner.
Now trust me, we LOVE pink. And we LOVE love. But we don’t think cheesy one-liners and chocolate-induced comas should be privy to twosomes.
Which is why this year, we’re all about Galentine’s Day: a day dedicated to all the fabulous friendships in your life, and we’re down to help spread the love. Enjoy our day guide to the perfect Galentine’s events your whole squad will love.
Interview: Learning Beyond the Steps with Sasha Voyt
Born and raised in Russia before performing and dancing all over the world from Italy to New York City to Malaysia and now Seattle, Sasha Voyt is one of Can Can’s newest performers. She plays the half-woman, half-cat Persia in House of Hearts, and you better believe she is stealing hearts with every “Meow!” she musters.
Can Can Wins 5 BroadwayWorld Seattle Awards, Including Favorite Local Theatre!
The winners for the 2022 Broadway World Seattle Awards were just announced, and we're poppin’ champagne over here at Can Can! Thanks to YOUR votes, our theatre's original production of The Hitchcock Hotel has won all five of its nominated categories, including Tori Gresham's jaw-dropping performance as Madame Maybell for Best Cabaret Performance, our very own Fae Pink for Best Choreography, the ever-talented Chris Pink for Best Direction of a Musical, our whole, harmonious cast for Best Ensemble (Richard Peacock, Sasha Voyt, Tori Gresham, Jonathan Betchtel, and Shadou Mintrone), and — the most cherished win of all — Can Can for Favorite Local Theatre.
Interview: Lighting and Sound for Wonderland with Robbie Matos
Matos joined the Can Can team in 2019 and is now our lead light and sound technician and operator. Every night he’s pulling the strings, illuminating the silhouettes, and ensuring every seat at one of Can Can’s shows is the best seat in the house.
“I remember being 14 or 15-years-old dreaming of what my life would be like. It was this. It was producing shows and living in a city, and being my free self. I grew up very closeted and that was just never fun. Coming to a space where it's just so welcoming and so accepting is what my 15-year-old self dreamed about. It's amazing to live that out.”
And now, with Can Can’s newest production of Wonderland underway, Matos shares with us what goes on behind the scenes of our beloved theater that leaves us all, again and again, believing in magic.