Much like The Simpsons’ Treehouse of Horrors, the Abracadaver Cabaret is a must-see every October.
While the dysfunctional animated family does not air its annual treat on Fox until Oct. 22, the cabaret’s mythology-based fright-fest is sure to trick even the most astute of Wise Hall patrons on Oct. 14.
Created eight years ago by the multi-talented trio of Gidget Gravedigger, Emma Eldridge and Melody Mangler, the annual celebration of blood "is not recommended for the faint of heart."
Modern-day renaissance woman Gidget Gravedigger is an accomplished dancer and performer, as well as arguably the city’s most exceptional host of alternative theatre.
As well as playing host to the Geekenders’ ode to Stephen King, We All Float Down Here (Oct. 17), Gravedigger, along with sister Eldridge, helms the Vancouver based horror-themed podcast Dark Entries and chaperones The Abracadaver Cabaret: Mythology.
“The Abracadaver Cabaret is my, along with my sister and Melody’s biggest project of the year. We have been putting on the cabaret for years, and it seems to have caught on. Every year we have more people approach us excited about Abracadaver come October, which is nice because when you have been pursuing something for eight years, it is like ‘oh good, my reputation is finally paying off.’”
Gravedigger is quick to point out that the annual nod to magic, horror and burlesque varies in inspiration from year to year. This year, the performance boasts having a one-eyed god, killer babies and a potential for more than one blood orgy.
“Melody voiced that she wanted to do a mythology theme to this year’s show and it feels like a good fit. We will often discuss in our meetings [as far out as 10 months before the show] topics such as a performer that we have always wanted to see and how they could play with a [potential] role,” Gravedigger said.
The most significant growth seen from the annual alternative dance performance came several years ago, when the Abracadaver Cabaret switched formats.
“The wrap-around storyline is the biggest change to Abracadaver throughout the years. When we first began Abracadaver it was very much just a cabaret show, you would have a host, and we would do the normal schtick. We wound up changing the Abracadaver format, and people responded well to the storyline running throughout the entire night.”
But with no story arcs that tie the cabaret from year to year, newcomers to the horror-themed night will not be left in the dark.
“The people that put the show together are the only significant link from year to year. The Abracadaver Cabaret is always me and my sister Emma, Melody and a few key players like Travis [Bernhardt] and Aleister Crane performing magic and one of the guys from Psycho Theatre.”
Abracadaver Cabaret
Oct. 14, Wise Hall; doors 8 p.m., show 9 p.m..
Licensed Venue, no minors.
Tickets advance $18, door $20, V.I.P. $25
