The Dolly Wiggler Cabaret, an 18+ puppet show, is coming to a couch near you this weekend.
Xstine Cook from the Calgary Animated Objects Society (CAOS) and Mooky Cornish from Cirque du Soleil have teamed up with a cast of puppeteers for this year’s cabaret.
Puppeteers and artists of all different kinds, backgrounds, and performance methods will be part of the event.
The show, which will be streamed from Cook’s garage, will incorporate live performances, pre-recorded puppet-show segments, and audience engagement.
Before COVID-19, this show looked very different. But like anything in life, Cook and CAOS worked hard to keep the ball rolling.
“It’s been extremely challenging,” Cook said.
“[But] it’s been really interesting learning what is possible.”
One of the main concern was how to keep the audience engagement that past productions had.
Thanks to Zoom, the show goes on
The normal audience at these shows are “very supportive,” and are often heavily engaged throughout the show.
But thanks to Zoom, Cook and her team have figured out how to make the show as engaging as possible.
The event is now accessible to an wide audience, as it doesn’t require leaving the house, or even living in the city.
It also an 18+ event, and there’s alcohol involved. Audience members are encouraged to tune in early to the show, during intermission, and after the show for the “cabaret bar” – though you’ll need to bring your own bottle.
At 8 p.m. on May 29 and 30, you can tune into Zoom to catch this creative online experience. Tickets cost only $10, and you can buy them here.
During intermission, there will be “break out groups” organized through Zoom for audience members to meet and mingle with performers.
“I know that some of the artists are plotting to set up drinking games with their groups,” Cook said.
“There’s been some pretty weird things that have happened on the Dolly Wiggler stage over time.”
CAOS is producing the Dolly Wiggler Cabaret in partnership with the Puppet Slam Network and WP Puppet Theatre’s Puppet Power Conference, happening on May 30 and 31.
This show will be a unique experience for anyone that tunes in. To purchase a ticket, follow this link.
