Life Is Still a Cabaret

Now that Mayor Giuliani has put the tops back on Billy's Topless, it seems that New Yorkers must search for a new place to see bodies of fantasy before their naked eyes. The city that never sleeps may not have a Chippendale's or Filthy McNasty's (former all-male revue in LA) where men dance nearly nude for women's pleasures, but, fortunately, it does have the Broadway musical Cabaret. Where else can audiences see both men and women strutting their stuff erotically – in their undergarments? Where else can you witness pelvic thrusts and hip gyrations right in your face? And that's not all, the cast is wonderfully trashy – yet stylish – complete with tattoos, body piercings, feather boas, kimonos, and even bed bruises.

The story of Cabaret takes place in 1930s Berlin where lead character Sally Bowles (Susan Egan) is the displaced girl from England living it up with her scandalous friends and lovers at the Kit Kat Club. So she fucked her way through Germany? Worse crimes have been committed, right?

The Kit Kat boys and girls play fierce tunes while showing you what they've got, all inside a brightly lit flashing frame as the stage prop. (Did I mention the garter belts, torn fishnets and bare chests? Gotta love it.) This cast's talent is displayed in true glamour grit style.

Adorned in bondage gear and a white-painted face with a hint of cherry-red lipstick, the Emcee (Michael Hall) seductively narrates the tale. (Honestly, I think the director should meet Misstress Formika, aka Michael, for this part. He was born to play this charismatic playboy). Ultimately, Cabaret introduces audiences to the life of lust and unanticipated pleasures. Expect to see beautiful bodies, prostitution, chain smoking, drug use, marriage proposals, and a few compromising situations in between. Giuliani or not – it doesn't get anymore rock'n'roll than this. The show is even playing at the famed '70s discotheque, Studio 54.

For tickets call 212-239-6200. Admission $45-90. Studio 54 is located at 524 West 54th Street between Broadway and Eighth Ave. The show runs Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8 pm; Sundays at 2 pm and 7 pm. It's two hours and 30 minutes with one intermission.