Long-running Carnival Cabaret returns

“Change” is the key word for the Horizon Casino Resort’s running show — in a big way.

Aptly, Yesterday recently finished a run that began in January. Taking the place of the Beatles tribute act in the Horizon’s Golden Cabaret is Carnival Cabaret, which became the South Shore’s longest-running show from February 2000 through January 2004.

“This transcends the regular bar drag show,” said choreographer Luis Camacho. “It’s not just the faces, the makeup, it’s all the nuances.”

Change isn’t important just because Carnival Cabaret consists of an all-male cast portraying iconic female entertainers. Not content to rehash the successful previous show, the cast and crew have updated their repertoire, returning with new members and with a variety of inspirations from which to draw to keep Carnival Cabaret fresh.

“Some of the characters are different, and it’s four years later, and our producer and choreographer decided this show is going to be much more musical than the last one,” said James “Gypsy” Haake, the 76-year-old master of ceremonies who was the original host of “La Cage Aux Folles” in 1981 when it opened in Beverly Hills.

“All the cast members here are actors,” said Haake, who has appeared in a number of movies, including Mel Brooks’ “To Be Or Not to Be” and whose interaction with audiences also keeps the show fresh.

“We try to change it every few weeks: Different nuances,” Camacho agreed. “We won’t ever let stuff get stale.”

That wasn’t the primary concern when Carnival Cabaret premiered in 2000. Dan Gore, one of the producers along with Paul Blane, acknowledged that some casinogoers and residents were a little reluctant to see the show come to Tahoe. That didn’t last long.

“Steve Lloyd is really connected with the employees here to see what works and what doesn’t,” Gore said of the Horizon’s general manager.

The Horizon ended up re-signing “the simple little show that could” four times, generating longevity, popular buzz and critical acclaim.

“‘Carnival Cabaret’ is one of those shows you want to take every male friend to — and make sure you are sitting up front,” then managing editor Kathryn Reed wrote in the Tahoe Daily Tribune. “‘Carnival Cabaret’ is a tasteful foray into the world of female impersonators. It’s a cabaret as the name says. It’s part comedy. It’s all entertainment. And the cast must be doing something right because it’s the longest-running show at Stateline.”

It no longer seems like a simple little show, though. A recent rehearsal at the Horizon hinted at the lavish stage production and some surprises still in store for audiences.

“I have a $200,000 wardrobe here for this show,” Haake said, crediting Barbara Parina from Sidestreet Boutique and Tuxedo Rentals in South Lake Tahoe with helping him prepare his costumes. In addition to Haake, Frank Moore takes a turn as Prince, Patrick Ross plays Barbra Streisand and Bette Midler, Kevin Wiley portrays Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire, Steven Andrade is Cher, Tony Celestine portrays Diana Ross and Dionne Warwick, and the “I Am What I Am” finale highlights James Hoagland.

“We take them on a journey‚ highlights of all these celebrities’ careers,” Camacho said.

Carnival Cabaret has signed on for four months at the Horizon, with an option to continue. The all-ages show runs at 8 and 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays through Jan. 3 in the Golden Cabaret.

— Dan Thomas evidently is Lake Tahoe Action’s dance reporter.