Review of the new show at Paradis Latin

A bit of history about the Paradis Latin

Did you know that the Paradis Latin was the oldest of the Parisian cabarets? Napoleon Bonaparte himself had it built in 1802 to make it a hotspot of Parisian nights. During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, the theater was destroyed by a fire. A blessing in disguise as it was rebuilt by a certain Gustave Eiffel, who is notably responsible for the beautiful columns on which the building rests as well as the elegant dome of the mezzanine. The first cabaret shows as we know them today have been on the bill since 1977.

In May 2019, the Paradis Latin presented its new revue, the Oiseau Paradis, directed by the choreographer Kamel Ouali, who needs no introduction after his remarkable appearances on television (Star Academy, France's Got Talent) and his musicals (Le Roi Soleil, Les Dix Commandements, Cléopâtre…). And to add even more appeal, the chosen revue leader is none other than the beautiful Iris Mittenaere, Miss France and Miss Universe 2016.

The Paradise Bird

Let's move on to our evening. Dinner starts at 7:30 PM. The maître d'hôtel seats us in a room where already, dancers in curious outfits – lions, horses, and even a Christmas tree – joyfully swirl around the tables. The meal goes pleasantly despite somewhat narrow tables. On stage, we enjoy a singer who performs jazzy pop tunes, and a cellist offers a beautiful cover of Michael Jackson.

At 9:30 PM, the show begins. A casting director is looking for new dancers and she doesn't wait long: about twenty dancers burst onto the stage in their colorful outfits adorned with sequins. Iris Mittenaere makes a striking entrance from the heights of the theater with her pink feathers. Throughout the revue, she delivers a rather commendable vocal performance with Dancing Queen by Abba or Love Supreme by Robbie Williams. We discover a very cheerful and smiling Miss Universe, who doesn't hesitate to poke fun at herself while remaining very elegant. We have the opportunity to admire her beautiful presence thanks to delicious costumes and skillful lighting effects that highlight her. Or the other way around.

The show lasts two hours without interruption. The stage is close and offers us a certain proximity to the artists. The performances are successively bold, comedic, and sensual. The dancers convey their joy and brilliantly combine singing and dancing. Of course, we have the unmissable French Cancan that dazzles us.

Some performances play more than ever the card of sensuality, and cabaret aficionados will find similarities with the Crazy Horse. You will want to take a bath of love with Roman and Cécile, a sublime couple of acrobats who offer a number at the peak of sensuality, and will love the act of Bert and Fred, the duo of acrobats who take us from fear to laughter. Okay!

In summary, a true rejuvenation for this new revue of Paradis Latin. Kamel Ouali has skillfully evolved the codes of traditional cabaret by integrating sound and light games and immersive sets. A parade of illuminated costumes, a modern and original scenography, catchy and recent music, and above all, a troupe of radiant and fulfilled dancers and artists.

Note: The artists of Paradis Latin perform several times a week over several months. Changes in performers may occur to preserve the artists' abilities.

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