rxpharm Posted January 30, 2012 Share Posted January 30, 2012 Here's a nice story from The Nation. stage review Bangkok's 'Wonder Boys' More than 10 years have passed since I last caught the stage show "Calypso" at the Asia Hotel. On that last occasion, a Vietnamese gay friend - a dancer and choreographer - was in town and I remember to this day his comment as we left. "Oh, my god, I'm glad I'm not a woman," he said, much to my mirth. What he probably meant, though I admit I didn't check, was that as a woman, he'd be envious of the breathtaking beauty of the performers. Since then, whenever foreign friends and colleagues, theatre professors among them, have visited, I've been recommending "Calypso" as a must-see, along with the sadly now-defunct Joe Louis Theatre at Suan Lum Night Bazaar and/or "Siam Niramit". "Watch both and you'll better understand contemporary Bangkok, a city of contrasts," I tell them. I've only had good words back so far. So when two French VIPs were visiting earlier this month and tickets to "Si Phaendin: The Musical" were sold out for the night in question, I took them to the Asia Hotel for "Calypso". In a cabaret format, the show features many short scenes inspired by popular songs, movies or cultural stereotypes from countries around the world - to name a few, "All That Jazz", "Hot Honey Rag", "I Who Have Nothing", "The Chinese Ballad" and "Geisha". But it's not just "cover dance" - that fad so favoured by Thai teens. Most scenes have fun twists here and there that are either cheekily surprising or hilariously grotesque. There's also a nice contrast in moods and tones from one scene to the next, and that, coupled with quick scene changes and practical props, keeps the whole 75-minute show moving along at a fine pace. Inclusion of both the "unofficial" Korean national anthem "Arirang", which I remember loving last time I watched the show, and K-Pop anthem, the Wonder Girls' "Nobody" is also intriguing. The women, or should I say men, are beautiful, far more beautiful than many women, and their costumes are stunning. This is even more evident when audience members stay on after the show to take photos with them. But what's more important, and this is why the how has been running for so long, is that all the cast member know how to act, showing the meanings of the lyrics of the songs they lip-synch through their facial expressions and physical movements. And that may be why I fall in love with a few of them. Plus, even with two shows a night, 365 days a year, they still manage look fresh and enthusiastic. Of course, "Calypso Cabaret" is a tourist show, but it's one that locals can be both entertained by and proud of. Bangkok is not London, New York, or even Hong Kong, and usually there's no stage performance, which can be enjoyed by non-Thai speaking audiences every night, despite it being one of the top tourist destinations in the world. And that may be something performing artists here should think of from time to time. For now, I look forward to taking more foreign friends to "Calypso Cabaret" in the years to come and at their new riverside venue. And that's not just because my French guests enjoyed it so much that they treated me to a foie gras buffet the next day. Boys will be girls _ "Calypso Cabaret" is on nightly at the Asia Hotel, with direct access to BTS Ratchatewi station. Show times are 8.15 and 9.45. _ Tickets are Bt1,200 (Bt600 for children), with one drink. _ Book online at least three days in advance at www.CalypsoCabaret.com. _ Group discounts are available. Buy the Bt1,400 (Bt1,100 children) package and you get Brazilian churascaria cuisine at the Rio Grill Restaurant and the show. Having been to see the show a number of times, I would recommend it, especially if you have a special lb to take. It may be possible to "date" some of the showgirls, but not all of them are up for p4p. For Calypso you would need to be more discreet - as management is watching them during the photo sessions. You would have to pass your mobile number to them in the process of giving them a tip for the photo. If she is up for p4p, she'll give you a call later. At 24 years young, 'Calypso' is still one of the best stage shows in the city 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pdogg Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 Somehow I've never been to Calypso, well I don't get to Bangkok often. It's a relatively small venue, not a huge theatre space like Tiffany or Alcazar, right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rxpharm Posted February 1, 2012 Author Share Posted February 1, 2012 Somehow I've never been to Calypso, well I don't get to Bangkok often. It's a relatively small venue, not a huge theatre space like Tiffany or Alcazar, right? PDogg, you are right about their current location - the theatre in Asia Hotel is small, probably around 150 - 200 seats, a fraction of Tiffany Show or Alcazar. However they are moving to a new location in the Riverside. I am not sure how large the theatre is there. I've heard they will be moving sometime this February. In the meantime here are a few photos I have taken of Calypso in the past years. I have to apologize for a few as the audience interfered with some for exposure and of course some heads in the way. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rukki Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 Aahh...golden bananas! hehe That chic on the left of the first pic is Amazing! With a capital A! Wow! Thanks for the Pics!! :goodjob: :startle: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deepthroat Posted February 5, 2012 Share Posted February 5, 2012 Great stuff. Loved the topless shots, does that mean I'm no longer one of The Sophisticates? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rxpharm Posted February 5, 2012 Author Share Posted February 5, 2012 Rukki, I do know the name of the lady on the left, her name is Lio, if you take a closer look, you will also see her in the 4th photo (topless - she's the 3rd one on the right - from the centre showgirl wearing the dress), also in the 5th photo in the middle, in the 7th photo wearing the bananas near the curtain, and in the last topless photo, 4th from the right. As you may deduce, I am impressed with her, but never tried the mobile number on the paper trick with her. Not sure she's still there, as the last time I've been to Calypso was a couple of years ago. DT, actually you've moved up to being a connoisseur! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hefe Posted February 5, 2012 Share Posted February 5, 2012 Wow...I love the half naked finale shots! I don't recall seeing that back in the 90's at Alcazar or Tiffany's, or even the late lamented & somewhat more seedy Simon Cabaret in Patts, I will definitely give this a go next trip to the Mango, they seem to have their flyers around all the hotels & travel agencies. Remind me, is it expected to give a tip when you take a photo with them after the show, if so how much? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rxpharm Posted February 6, 2012 Author Share Posted February 6, 2012 Hefe, at Calpyso, there is no minimum for tips, but certainly 40 - 100 Baht is a good amount. Remember the slip them your mobile trick, if you want to test if they are willing to go for p4p. Also remember, they will likely ask more than a bar girl will, if she does decide to do the p4p routine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DownLoLarry Posted February 13, 2013 Share Posted February 13, 2013 Any updated Calypso info? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rxpharm Posted March 4, 2013 Author Share Posted March 4, 2013 Update on Calypso Cabaret. It has moved from Asia Hotel to:Asiatique, The Riverfront (Warehouse no.3); 2194 Charoenkrung 72-76 Rd.,Prayakrai, Bangkorlaem, Bangkok 10120 ThailandTel: +66 2 688 1415-7 | Mobile: +66 8 6349 1937-8Here's their home page: http://www.calypsocabaret.com/fact.htmlIt's in a bigger theatre now, 350 seats, vs: 250 at Asia Hotel. They alsooffer a combination buffet dinner/show package. I caught the show duringmy December 2012 visit, and have to say it's better than ever in thenew location. I'm posting some photos from the new location. Opening Numbers 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rxpharm Posted March 5, 2013 Author Share Posted March 5, 2013 ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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bumblebee Posted March 8, 2013 Share Posted March 8, 2013 Thanks for the update Rx. Looks like a good option for a night out with ladyboy company. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rxpharm Posted March 9, 2013 Author Share Posted March 9, 2013 Yes BB, lbs tend to like it as it is a different style to the Tiffany/Alacazar types of cabaret. More photos to come! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rxpharm Posted March 14, 2013 Author Share Posted March 14, 2013 ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rxpharm Posted March 16, 2013 Author Share Posted March 16, 2013 The Calypso Cabaret numbers are as focused on glamor compared to Tiffany/Alcazar/Golden Dome, but more story telling. Here are more photos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigTel Posted March 16, 2013 Share Posted March 16, 2013 Excellent shot's there Rxpharm, I had the pleasure of seeing the show back in their old location many many years ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rxpharm Posted March 16, 2013 Author Share Posted March 16, 2013 Thanks BigTel, I would highly recommend you visit them again when you have the chance! More photos from the show. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rxpharm Posted March 22, 2013 Author Share Posted March 22, 2013 More from the show ... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lone Ranger Posted March 22, 2013 Share Posted March 22, 2013 I went to see the show on Tuesday night with the girlfriend and I enjoyed it. For a few hours it takes you away from the whole bar scene. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rxpharm Posted March 23, 2013 Author Share Posted March 23, 2013 Lone Ranger, glad you and your girlfriend enjoyed the show! These feature Tik (Tuk Tik), she's one of the stars of the show, an excellent dancer and has been with Calypso since she was 16 years old! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lone Ranger Posted March 23, 2013 Share Posted March 23, 2013 Their was a cute LB by the name of Cleo but I could not approach her at the end or the girlfriend would have my balls in a sling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rxpharm Posted March 24, 2013 Author Share Posted March 24, 2013 Ahh, Lone Ranger - she also goes by Lio (Leo). She's definitely gorgeous and features in some of the early photos in this post. See below. (with the gold ribbon around her neck in the topless shot) I do have a few of her from the latest visit, so keep your eyes peeled (not as revealing as the old show though). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woofer1 Posted March 26, 2013 Share Posted March 26, 2013 Hi RX, Must say the second picture from your posting above caught my attention. Must be the result of so many years with the Girls. Love the Banana Belt. Hope it doesn't mean they are all hanged out to dry after Chop Chop :-( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rxpharm Posted March 26, 2013 Author Share Posted March 26, 2013 Woofer1, that photo is of Lio (Cleo/Leo) and she is postop. She has also been with Calypso many years, but not as long as Tuk Tik. Don't be too biased against postops, some can be quite fine experiences! However, in the case of Lio - there has been a couple of reports she has a Diva attitude and takes advantage by asking friends to go along for dinner (if you go that route). Also may be quite a bit more pricey than a regular bargirl. However, this is probably the case for a cabaret showgirl if she is a "star". The banana belts in the new show light up! Onwards, with more photos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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