The live entertainment scene in New York City has become even more enchanting with the recent introduction of Absinthe, an exciting off-Broadway cabaret circus show that is captivating audiences with its unique blend of fairground attraction and torch song spectacle.

Set up within the lush confines of an opulent venue, Absinthe offers an immersive and unforgettable experience that celebrates risk, danger, sensuality, and pure unadulterated pleasure. Its performances are tailored for mature audiences, aiming to push the boundaries of traditional circus arts and vaudeville with an arresting combination of daring feats, thrilling acrobatics and sultry singing.

Designed to transport audiences into a fantastical world where the impossible becomes possible, Absinthe is a celebration of the extraordinary and the audacious. With its spellbinding blend of circus, cabaret, and exceptional variety entertainment, Absinthe is a show that leaves its viewers marveling at the sheer talent and daring of its performers.

Notably, Absinthe aims to challenge the status quo in live entertainment by creating a space where the unconventional is celebrated, where the audience can forget about the world outside and lose themselves in a dazzling showcase of top-tier talent.

The now-available tickets for Absinthe's performances promise a night of sheer exhilaration, allowing spectators to witness a jaw-dropping spectacle of extravagant proportions. The show is an unabashed celebration of all things daring and sensuous, designed to leave audiences completely captivated long after the curtain falls.

For those seeking a truly unique night out in New York City, Absinthe's off-Broadway performances are a must-see. It's an opportunity to embrace the collective gasp, the shared laughter, and the pulse-quickening suspense that is the essence of the live theater experience.

In the world of live entertainment, Absinthe is casting its own exuberant spectacle and carving out an exciting niche space that marries the nostalgic charm of the circus with the contemporary audacity of cabaret. And now, with tickets officially on sale, audiences have the chance to indulge in this intoxicating experience for themselves.

Absinthe History

Absinthe is a well-known distilled, highly alcoholic beverage. It is crafted from a mixture of botanicals, including the flowers and leaves of Artemisia absinthium ("grand wormwood"), sweet fennel, and green anise. Its starkly green hue, potent taste, and the swirling, hypnotic 'louche' effect it takes on when water is added have all contributed to its allure and mystique. Absinthe, however, is more than just a drink. It has a deep-rooted history that intertwines with the world of live theater, art, and entertainment.

Absinthe's origins are thought to date back to ancient times, but its documented history began in the late 18th century in Switzerland. It was initially developed as a medicinal elixir but gained popularity as a recreational drink by the mid-19th century, particularly within the artistic and theatrical communities of France.

In the heart of Paris during the Belle Époque era, the city’s thriving arts scene saw poets, painters, and performers frequenting cafes and cabarets, where absinthe flowed freely. The beverage became an icon of creativity and a symbol of the bohemian lifestyle. Many well-known artists of the time, including Vincent Van Gogh, Oscar Wilde, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, were known for their love of absinthe.

As the drink became more popular, its influence seeped into the realm of live theater. It started appearing in the plays and performances of the day, creating a palpable connection between absinthe and the world of drama. In fact, it became a common prop, offering a visual representation of the temptation and hedonism that the era’s art and theater often explored.

The popularity of absinthe peaked in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, despite growing concerns about its potential harmful effects. Its high alcohol content and the alleged hallucinogenic properties of wormwood led to it being dubbed "la fée verte" or the "green fairy." This nickname further cemented its mystical image in the arts and theater community.

However, due to increasing public concern over the alleged dangerous effects of absinthe, the tide turned against it. By the early 20th century, it was banned in numerous countries, including the United States and much of Europe.

In recent years though, absinthe has experienced a resurgence. It started in the 1990s in Europe and quickly spread to other parts of the world. Today, more than 200 brands of absinthe, ranging from cheap knock-offs to artisanal creations, are sold around the world.

Within the realm of live theater, absinthe has continued to play a significant role. In Las Vegas, for instance, a provocative live theater event titled "Absinthe" has been a mainstay since 2011. This burlesque and acrobatic show, hosted in a tent outside Caesars Palace, seeks to recreate the seductive, risqué ambiance associated with the green fairy. Tickets for the Absinthe show are always in high demand, proving the enduring appeal of the drink's storied history.

From being a symbol of creativity and bohemian lifestyle in Paris to being featured in popular live theater shows, absinthe has carved its niche not only in the world of spirits but also in arts and entertainment. The history of absinthe is, in essence, a stirring tale of enchantment, controversy, condemnation, and revival, much like a riveting act in a live theater drama.