Cabaret shows in Paris without nudity?
 

We'll be in Paris April 10-14 with out 16 year old daughter and would love to see a quality cabaret type show minus the nudity. Recommendations? Merci

Sorry, even though I also lose control of my fingers from time to time, I have to take advantage of a great typo: would you prefer a nude show if she was with you?

Okay, so I'm not so bright. We will definitly be in Paris WITH our daughter! Pardon

And we would ALL prefer a great cabaret show WITHOUT nudity. Is there such a thing in Paris?

That is sort of what these shows are, by definition. The term "cabaret" has just become used for that. I think they are all like that.

A 16 yr old isn't too young that this should be that alarming, I suppose, although I am with you actually in the idea that going to a show with women parading around topless as entertainment is sort of creepy with your parent(s). I really would not pose this as a father-daughter outing alone, which I think some folks on Fodors have asked about doing. Way too headed-for-therapy in my book.

I would think there are so many other forms of entertainment that one shouldn't perceive such a cabaret/LV revue type show as the only thing one can do when going out at night. Why not do something else, I could make a suggestion for something that has nothing to do with this type tourist topless variety/revue show. If I were going to do that, I've read the Moulin Rouge at least has some good dancing and lots of pretty costumes. I could have sworn I read about one that had children's shows in the afternoon without the nudity, but I think that would be more little kids and way too young a crowd for your daughter.

I went to a show in a small cellar theatre in St Germain, for example, by a wonderful singer who did songs done by Piaf, Vian, etc., and also did some poetry (probably vian or apollinaire). It was a one-woman show about that period of St Germain. She had a superb accordionist accompanist who was worth the ticket alone and I never used to like accordion music that well. Even if you don't know French, you'd enjoy the songs and the show, I think. This is more authentic as there aren't a lot of tourists there, more locals.

Au Lapin Agile, in Montmartre, bills itself as a cabaret and is probably more of what an old time cabaret was than the Moulin Rouge, Lido are.

Some say it's touristy, and it is, but does provide a slice of life experience, even if of a by-gone time.

A Paris "cabaret" without nudity? Like Disneyworld without tack? Or maybe Paris without the Eiffel tower? There is no "nudity" in the Lido or Moulin Rouge, just topless (stunning) dancers, ie the same kind of "nudity" all Europeans, whatever their age, are faced with when they go to the beach on the continent. Nothing to write home about. 16 years old, please...

Having said that, all these Paris "cabarets" are mere tacky tourist traps, that's the REAL reason why you should avoid them. I would feel more bothered by the company of dodgy French arms dealers entertaining their Middle Eastern clients than by the glorious boobs of some young Ukrainian dancer on stage.

really, Art, and why do you think that should be perceived as entertainment for a family? By definition, one is on display and a source of entertainment in these shows, and although some people really are trying to be that on the beach, it is supposed to be a different purpose there (like being on the beach and swimming as you wish, but not to entertain others). I think some folks do refer to "partial nudity", although maybe the OP doesn't realize they aren't really "nude". It's like one of those Vegas shows if you've ever been to one.

I actually did find some (called "cabarets") that are not like that, but they aren't the big glitsy tourist shows, that's the difference. I think they call the Lapin Agile thing a cabaret, for one. I found some that are more the variety type shows, a little music, a little magic, etc. I know those glitsy shows do that two, but the small bistro-type venues that do this don't advertise lines of showgirls, that's the difference. They don't have any.

Like Chez Ma Cousine in the 18th arr. You can see it mentioned on www.pariscabaret.fr and I think you can tell from that website which kinds of cabaret are which (the photos advertising them are a pretty big hint). Most of these wouldn't work for most tourists, but I think the Chez ma Cousine would. I read a review on a French website from several people who said the food was average to good, but it was a pleasant evening.

Christina, the OP wasn't asking about the entertainment factor, the only thing she was worried about was the "nudity" factor. And, IMHO, the Paris cabarets she refers to don't score high on either department. End of story. Other considerations are just drifing towards parochial Fly Over State bigotry.

Thanks for the suggestions. Perhaps we'll skip the Cabaret and go for an evening in the celler at St. Germain. Any specific recommendations there?

"Other considerations are just drifing towards parochial Fly Over State bigotry'

I'm always amazed at how flippant some people are about moral values. As if it were bigotry NOT to want to attend a nude show with your 16 child.

Forget the moral issue, that I don't care about because I see nothing wrong with the topless women in these cabaret shows. However, I do feel it is a total waste of good money because these shows are TACKY! Not to mention tasteless and just insipid. I went to the Moulin Rouge once and once was enough. What a waste of money and time. I would take my 15 year old niece to the Paris Opera Ballet, at Opera Garnier so that you get to see that magnificent building while at the same time enjoy a ballet.

Actually I just checked your dates on the Opera de Paris site and you could see Cinderella (Cendrillon) on Sunday the 10th at 19h30. When my niece comes, this is what we will be doing.

You could see the musical "Cabaret" at the Folies Bergere. It does have adult themes (no nudity), but it's a good show. The dialogue and songs are in French, but a direct translation from the Broadway show.

http://www.foliesbergere.com/

North Shore, it is even more amazing that some people think their own definition of "morality" is the only one that matters.

<<< It does have adult themes (no nudity) >>>

Anti-semitism, homosexuality, sex outside marriage, abortion.

Guess that's preferable to a naked body

Bring the teenager to a concert or the opera or a play rather than some trashy vegas style razzle dazzle.

Perhaps it is time again to recommend a visit to the Cirque d'Hiver, which dazzled several Fodorites?

Naturally, most of the men here are all for the topless reviews. /:)

Paris shows without nudity? What's the fun?
More or less the same as drinking hot chocolate, but without chocolate.

And while you're at it, stay away from the Louvre - they have some nudes among the masterpieces on display. b(

Maybe they could put a bra on the Venus de Milo. :-d

Sorry, PonyUp, I couldn't resist. Whatever you decide, have a great time in Paris.

I wonder when liberalism ceased being about being tolerant of views and mores to which oneself might not subscribe, and started being the excuse to exercise intolerance, on the grounds that one is - wait for it - promoting the cause of tolerance.

I strongly second the chance for you to see 'Cabaret'. It is a fine opportunity for your daughter to learn about an era and a country in which ordinary people were lulled into the belief that the existence of places like the Kit Kat Club (a very bawdy cabaret) were proof that their society would be immune to the rise of Nazism. They find out - too late - how very wrong they were. (Coincidentally, I was 16 when the film starring Liza Minelli came out. I thought it excellent, then and now - but if you wish to make up your own mind - now, there's a novel idea a few folks here might like to try on - rent the video.)

Although there a lots of tourists there I don't consider Moulin Rouge or Lido tourist traps.
The shows , especially Lido is IMO very good. As to nudity... it's just the dancers breasts , nothing vulgar.
It is true that the dinner is not exceptioanl and rather expensive. But you can - much cheaper -go just for the show without food , but including half a bottle of Champagne per person, what's wrong with that? The show has incredible speed, the decors are great with real fountains and ice rinks on stage.It is very Parisian and fun I think a 16 yr old would enjoy it and you too. Visit the Lido site to have the rates

There is a very fun, smallish cabaret bar -- mostly singing rather than novelty acts in the Fifth right off Rue St. Jacques on Rue Galande called Les Trois Mailletz. It's really a lot of fun.

I am at the intolerant attitude of the supposedly tolerant population. Everyone has the right to choose what they want to expose themselves and their children to. Why trash anyone for not wanting to expose their teen to nudity? And please...there is no comparison between a cabaret show and most art in a museum.

I am amazed at the intolerant attitude of the supposedly tolerant population. Everyone has the right to choose what they want to expose themselves and their children to. Why trash anyone for not wanting to expose their teen to nudity? And please...there is no comparison between a cabaret show and most art in a museum.

Au Lapin Agile in Montmartre is what an old time cabaret used to be and worth visiting.

We went to Au Lapin Agile in Montmartre as our Apt was just up the street. As we walked in, there were several people sitting around the table and singing songs in French. Everyone else was seated around the room and observing. We stayed in there for about 15-20 minutes then got up and left. We had no clue what was going on. If you speak French, maybe you might enjoy it.

Oh, BTW, as we were leaving and heading to the coat room, there was a lady in there rifling thru the coat pockets, and I think we startled her. ((b))

Those of us in the "fly over states", witht the exception of the bible thumping evolution hating gay bashing fundamentalists, resent that remark.....

Children. Children. Please, no squabbling. Each is intitled to his/her own interests. I appreciate all your feedback.

Thank you normal1983. You reflect my thoughts exactly.

I am at the intolerant attitude of the supposedly tolerant population. Everyone has the right to choose what they want to expose themselves and their children to. Why trash anyone for not wanting to expose their teen to nudity? And please...there is no comparison between a cabaret show and most art in a museum.

"And please...there is no comparison between a cabaret show and most art in a museum."

You're right, and I was being flippant, as I thought my liberal use of smileys would convey. But in this age of the internet, if your 16 yr old hasn't been exposed to that sort of thing by now, then I would be very surprised.

Suexxyy, are you talking about the Sam Mendes version of Cabaret that is currently playing in Paris at the Folies Bergère? Because I saw it, and it has very little to do with the watered down 1972 Broadway inspired Bob Fosse movie. The least you can say is that the current rendition of the play calls a spade a spade. Compared to it, the Lido is Sesame street.

And BTW, Christopher Isherwood must turn in his grave at your simplistic, judgmental and twisted interpretation of the complex Berlin he describes in his - partly autobiographic - novel "Goodbye to Berlin"- that inspired Cabaret, so that you know. But, as the poet says, "if you wish to make up your own mind - now, there's a novel idea a few folks here might like to try on - rent the video", er I mean this thing called a book. FYI, according to your values, Isherwood, a "decadent", hedonistic British gay, would have probably deserved to be burnt on a bonfire, so I find it quite ironic that you brandish his work (however distorted by your own prejudices) to support your questionable views.

Made you think a bit, did I Art? Good, that was the point.

Of course my views are "questionable". Everyone's views are questionable, for Pete's sake! Opinions, views, whatever, are just that - views, not facts chiseled in stone. The problem was, many respondents weren't asking any questions of the OP. And without knowing more about the OP and why they made their choice, the notion that they are naive and consequently in need of the not-so-benevolent instruction of others is more than a little presumptuous, not to mention prejudiced. (I just love how, in objecting to this prejudice against the OP, I am attacked for having 'prejudices', a sure case of the best defense being a good offense, if ever I saw one.)

So Sam Mendes' version of Cabaret is the 'standard' against which Bob Fosses' is 'watered-down.' Sez who? Apparently you, and in my twisted view of the world, you are entitled to have an opinion on the matter. But one could just as easily conclude that BOB got it right, and Sam distorted and twisted it out of all recognition. (I haven't walked past Christopher Isherwood's grave recently, but if he's indeed spinning in his grave, too bad. If people are going to insist on dying after they write books and plays so that they can't protect their works, they get what they deserve. ;) )

Anyway, if you or anyone else wants to make an argument, Art, you've got to substantiate it. I don't care how long the expression has been around, calling a spade a spade, doesn't make it so.

Now, as for arguments, we could have a fine discussion about symbolism and to what extent it was (or is) acceptable to use sexual ambiguity as a metaphor for moral ambiguity, and/or whether having an appreciation for such symbolism means one is anti-gay, etc. etc., but as much as I love the Lounge, I really don't have enough time at the moment to spend there (which is where such a discussion belongs.)

That said, it's a fair cop to warn people about your reaction to the particular version of Cabaret running at the Folies Bergeres. Which I think is where we came in - to give information about entertainment currently running in Paris.

Budman- Thanks for the tip about the 'Hat check gal'. What a cheek!

I don't know why the OP chose that, either, but I think it makes sense to me. It has nothing to do with fear of nudity or fear of art (how ridiculous, like a girly cabaret show is equivalent to seeing an Ingres painting), but what the point of entertainment is and things you do with your family, and even, perhaps your views on the value of such jobs and what they say about women, and why women take jobs showing off their breasts on stage to earn money. I think they are stupid, and showing off any body part to earn money isn't what a person should be doing as a profession.

Some people are actually more modest than others, and don't think displaying parts on stage that are conventionally considered intimate or private parts is appropriate. I know that is an unusual concept, public modesty. Heavens, the Vatican won't even allow people in who have their upper arm or knees showing, sometimes, talk about conservative.

However, some people don't seem to understand that families have the right to do what they want as a night out on the town, and maybe viewing topless showgirls is just what some parents might not think the optimal "family night out" should be with their children. I actually agree, and think it's kind of weird that parents would think for some reason, out of all the things in the world do that, this would be what you should do with your children together. I don't think it necessarily has anything to do with fear of "exposing them to nudity" but the concept of entertainment and appropriateness. There are probably some adults who might think they'd go to this type of thing themself at some time, or maybe their adult children would go with their friends or contemporaries, but that it isn't really the family night out type of activity they are looking for. There isn't anyway in the world I would have wanted to go to such a thing with my father when I was a teenager and it wasn't because I had not been exposed to nudity, or didn't see nude artwork or photos, or even women in the locker room.

Why is it people think that other people should somehow be shamed into doing things on their vacation or for entertainment that they don't want to do?

Actually, I was taken to those shows by my parents when I was 11 years old and I thought they were pretty cool at the time. By the same token, I would never have wanted to be taken to something like a bullfight.

"Why is it people think that other people should somehow be shamed into doing things on their vacation or for entertainment that they don't want to do?"

Maybe they feel guilty or ashamed about having done something and getting other people to do the same thing makes them feel better or less guilty/ashamed?

So Sam Mendes' version of Cabaret is the 'standard' against which Bob Fosses' is 'watered-down.' Sez who?

Says the book, which you have apparently not read - I wouldn't swear you had heard of Isherwood either, for that matter, but whatever. There are characters, and a central love story, that feature in the book and the play, not the movie. These are facts, not judgments, even less so judgmental opinions.

"Maybe they feel guilty or ashamed about having done something and getting other people to do the same thing makes them feel better or less guilty/ashamed?"

Geez, what's that psycho babble gobbledeegook? Even Oprah wouldn't buy it!

went to the Lapin Agile and would not recommend it for anyone. Jammed in a tiny , uncomfortable room seated on wooden benches, couldnt get a drink and felt trapped and unable to leave.