Chico Cabaret

I would like to give the Cabaret (the theater) rave reviews for its’ intimate seating, well-​done staging and props, and generally audience-​interactive ambiance. HOWEVER, I just went to the Saturday (10÷29÷11) midnight performance of Rocky Horror Picture Show. I have attended this Chico tradition at least three times in the past and loved it! This show was disappointing to me for the following reasons: The overzealous (not-​in-​unison) crowd yelling out the lines, overpowered the play itself and was distracting and annoying. It was a generally raucous crowd, probably owing to the midnight time-​frame, which allowed for plenty of pre-​show imbibing. Secondly, I heard the F-​word at least 4 times by the performers. While I am no prude, I don’t remember this word occurring in any of the prior performances, nor in the original movie. Its’
use was gratuitous and detracted from the performance. Third, in the old days, people used to dress as ALL the characters: Riff Raff, Brad, Janet, etc. This audience was comprised mostly of ladies of all sizes indulging their desire to dress in slutty bustiers, and confused-​appearing cross-​dressing men (boys). Lastly, while a couple of the performers had very good musical voices (i.e. the opening number, and the woman who played Janet) many of the performers talked/​screamed their lines. I presume this was done to cover up their lack of singing ability. It’s a MUSICAL! Surely there are enough talented singers & actors in Chico to populate one musical! If this is the «new direction» the theater is going in, I will not be back next year.
Wysteria Robberts

My wife and I have been coming to the cabaret for sears, and have been season tickets holders since the first season we attended (2007).
About the cabaret:
It’s community theater at it’s best. The staff and actors are completely committed to bringing you a great show every time… opening night to closing night. Sure the actors (very rarely) flub a line… but more often than not, they don’t. They are that committed.
It’s small (ish). It holds just over 200 people, and popular shows like the annual Rockie Horror and Christmas Burlesque shows sell out quick. Get your tickets early for the show you want to see, or get season ticket flex passes. It’s an intimate theater… even the seats furthest from the stage are still pretty good.
The serve snacks (candy bars, cookies, water, sodas, etc) and they have a limited bar (a few selections of beer, wine, and a couple of mixed drinks).
The productions normally have an intermission half-​way though, allowing you to use the bathroom, grab a drink, smoke a cigarette (outside), or buy a raffle ticket for the ⁵⁰⁄₅₀ drawing (you win half the pot, the other half goes to the unpaid actors).
Most of the shows are «For Mature Audiences». Many of the plays feature some swearing, scantily clad (or briefly nude) actors, and are not designed for children. They did recently have a family-​friendly Christmas show, but nearly all others are geared for adults.
They usually have 7 – 8 shows a year (give or take), covering dramatic plays, musicals, monologues, burlesque and more… quite the variety.
We are huge fans, and love attending the cabaret. We are not affiliated with the owner or business… just loyal attendees!
Check them out, and you will be a fan too!
Here is their website for details:

Chico Cabaret, located in the Almond Orchard Plaza is a professional– quality live theatre venue that features local talent, LIVE music, classic cutting edge plays, thrilling musicals and even original productions. It’s an intimate environment where the audience sits on two sides, it has a good bar that serves cold local beer, mixed drinks and a limited selection of red or white wine. The people that run the place are very friendly… Because the seating is so spacious, It’s a great place for groups of friends, office party’s or even a romantic date. Big hit productions have included The Rocky Horror Show, Reefer Madness, Cabaret, Jesus Christ Superstar, Grease and HAIR. Other more intimate shows, such as SUDS, and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change have had a huge impact. Their current production of Evil Dead, the Musical is a huge hit and features an amazing set, live music, great acting and singing, and a splatter zone for fans to get soaked in «blood». It’s a wild ride! Up next is the big hit musical White Christmas. During the holidays, they have an annual Holiday Burlesque and Vaudeville Comedy Show, which serves as an escape for adults who have grown weary of the traditional holiday plays and movies. This is a very popular show, and often sells out. Definitely not to be missed. It’s a great place to take your co-​workers to celebrate the holidays. To avoid standing in long lines, get the reserved seats online. Check them out at
.