UnCabaret

UnCabaret is a groundbreaking comedy variety show that first emerged in the early 90s as a foundational part of the alternative comedy scene in Los Angeles. It was revived in 2012 to much fanfare, and continues to be admired for its inventive, nontraditional format that pushes the boundaries of typical stand-up and entertainment paradigms.

The show, created and hosted by the charismatic Beth Lapides, presents a unique twist on the conventional comedy club formula. Instead of a series of comics performing distinct, rehearsed routines, UnCabaret encourages story-driven comedy that veers into uncomfortable and personal subjects. Lapides’ audacious vision for the show was to create a space where comedians could step outside the box of classic punchline-driven stand-up, cultivating an atmosphere where the amusing, awkward, and unexpected elements of life are appreciated and explored.

The 2012 version of the show is distinguished by its array of performers — an eclectic mix of seasoned comedians, musicians, writers, and actors, many with household names, as well as newcomers seeking a platform for their innovative material. It has featured performances from luminaries such as Margaret Cho, Julia Sweeney, and Bob Odenkirk, among others.

UnCabaret’s commitment to storytelling and authenticity is the bedrock of its continued success. Lapides encourages performers to "take the story off the grid," an approach that champions sincerity, immediacy, and transparency on stage. Comics are promoted to share organic narratives that are often risky, revealing hidden parts of their lives and struggles they face in and away from the limelight. It’s not unusual to hear comics dive into their lived experiences with identity, mental health, relationships, and life's numerous absurdities.

While primarily a comedy show, UnCabaret regularly accommodates musicians, whose performances often seamlessly blend with the comedic elements of the show. In fact, music is a vital element of UnCabaret’s ethos. Often accompanied by a live band, the show oscillates effortlessly between spoken word and song, making it a compelling vooray into the realm of the unconventional, where boundaries between genres blur and new forms of creative expression emerge.

UnCabaret has a uniquely intimate and conversational style, making it almost feel like a private gathering among friends. This is further emphasized by the venue and intimate setting-- usually inside a small club, bar, or other distinctive venues around Los Angeles. Hosted by Lapides, who is also an essential part of the show, it gives off a vibe of an engaging private evening among like-minded people as she sets the tone with her own stories and introductions for each performer.

UnCabaret is also a prominent fixture at comedy festivals, exposing audiences to its one-of-a-kind brand of humor, and further bolstering its position as a touchstone of the alternative comedy scene globally. Its success has been translated into a radio show and a series of Amazon originals. However, the live show's spontaneity and unpredictability make it a truly out-of-the-box entertainment experience.

A recurring theme in UnCabaret is the concept of comedy as social commentary, where humor serves as a tool to expose truths and provoke thought, quite often in unexpected ways. It celebrates the authentic human experience in all of its messy, beautiful complexity, with humor serving as a salve, a bridge, and a mirror.

The 2012 version followed the tradition of showcasing established stars and facilitating the rise of comic talent. It emphasizes diverse voices and inclusive stories, making it a unique platform where comedians can step outside their comfort zones, experiment with novel material, and showcase their individuality.

In summary, UnCabaret 2012 represents a triumph for unconventional comedy, challenging established norms and offering audiences a unique, multi-faceted comedic experience. Its embracing of risk and reward, its focus on authentic narratives, and its knack for providing a platform for unique voices all contribute to making UnCabaret 2012 a unique, worthwhile venture into the domain of alternative entertainment.