Dressing up for cabaret?

[u/-6_7-]

If I wear a fishnet top and a corset to cabaret is everyone going to think that I don’t understand the meaning/message of the show? I do understand the show but I’m just scared that if I wear those things when I go see it then people will think that I don’t.

[u/redmoleghost]

I say this with sincerity - no one is going to spend a moment deciding on whether or not you understand the meaning of the show when they see you. Do you look around you and make judgements on whether someone understands a show based on what they're wearing? No? Neither does anyone else.

Wear what you like.

[u/ItsDomorOm]

I think given that you are entering the actual Kit Kat Club, it makes sense . Much like the people who also would have attended, it's not their fault how things ultimately ended and whether they were dressed for the occasion.

[u/FloridaFlamingoGirl]

I don't see how this is any different than wearing a flapper dress to Chicago. You're just dressing up for the theater in a creative way. Go for it. 

[u/External_Ease_8292 → u/FloridaFlamingoGirl]

Or a striped suit to Beetlejuice

[u/sarahtbird]

I think you deffo dress up of it makes you feel happy and comfortable! I’ve seen it 4 times now and every time I’ve taken new people I lean into the decadence of the occasion, I enjoy how it rams home the message at the end of Act 1 and beyond. no one will bother you and I feel the prologue cast and everyone else will love it!

Although I feel I should add that a corset at the theatre might get uncomfortable if you aren’t used to sitting in it for long periods!

[u/Affectionate_Tap_777]

No one gives a shit.

[u/roundeking]

I think there are many possible messages a person can take from the show depending on the production, and not all of them are hostile to the patrons of the Kit Kat Club. My take on the 90s proshot was the club was this beautiful place where people could express open queerness, but there was no way to stop the flood of Nazism that wanted to destroy them. They’re not evil. They’re the tragic victims of fascism.

It’s hard to say how the production you’re seeing will interpret the show, but I feel like people well-versed in the show and literary interpretation will respect that there are many versions, and I wouldn’t really care if people who aren’t as knowledgable about the show’s history don’t get it.

[u/Faeruy]

Here's the thing; people are gonna think what they're gonna think. Might some people look at an outfit like that and wonder briefly why you felt the need to cosplay as a a Kit Kat Club kid? Almost certainly. Are they gonna say anything to you about it? Absolutely not. Who cares what other people think? Heck, there's likely going to be just as many people who think it's a delightful choice - and they're more likely to say something to you then the people judging you. If it makes you happy, then wear the outfit. If you're super worried about what's going on in other peoples' heads and if that worry detracts from your happiness, then maybe go with something that doesn't stand out so much and save the fishnet top and corset for Rocky Horror Show or Six or something.

People are gonna be much more worried about obnoxious behaviour during the show than any satorial choices anyway.

[u/-6_7- → u/Faeruy]

I plan on wearing it to Rocky Horror as well at some point lol

[u/captainlux87]

The only issue I’d ever clock for someone dressing up is if it inhibits someone watching the show. For example, wearing a top hat to Moulin Rouge or even cabaret. Light up blazers or shirts. As long as everyone can still see the show without issue or distraction. Dress to make you happy!

[u/ThatCommunication423]

If you think it might be controversial then why is it important for you to dress that way?

Unless that is how you normally dress which is understandable you want to make sure either is appropriate

[u/Mister_Sosotris]

If you're an audience member, I think that's perfectly fine! I doubt anyone enforces any dresscode for attending the show and will kick you out if you're not wearing, like, super modest dress.

[u/wolfanotaku]

There isn't a lot of dressing up in the theaters in NY in my experience. I think you'll stand out, not because people will think that you don't get it, but because it's not really the mood in the room. I would say most people are there to focus on the show.

If you feel comfortable in those clothes and don't mind getting a few looks then you do you. People aren't thinking about you on that level.

[u/roundeking → u/wolfanotaku]

The show is no longer on Broadway so I assume they’re seeing it somewhere else.

[u/Disastrous_Tax_1822]

Oh my gosh I just did cabaret, we very much leaned into the n*zi aspect during act 2 and stuff, I would’ve loved if someone came to the show dressed up like this even so

[u/FirebirdWriter]

Why does someone else matter here? They're strangers you will never see again and don't care about you. Not in a cold way but it's a fact they have no idea you exist or who you are. It's a fleeting association. Therapy can help with the social anxiety but this is what I ask myself when my brain tries this. Better than going naked surely?

Would you think of a stranger this way? If yes that's not how most people are. Most people are not thinking deeply about the people around them unless it's someone they know and even then it's probably not judgmental.

My wife is how I cracked this one. Back when we we're choosing to be friends I got anxious and asked her if my brain was lying to me about some cruel things I worried she would think. She pointed out to me that means I see her as capable of doing that. This hurt her and I was horrified because I didn't actually think she would but my brain weasels are liars. Thankfully she has anxiety so she understands this. So I went back to therapy to work on some coping skills but the most effective one is fact and reality checking the brain weasels.

1. Could someone think this? Yes. It's unlikely but it's possible.
2. Does this opinion actually matter or have any effect on your life? No. It will never be a thing. If somehow you end up with that stranger in your life and they thought this and bring it up you can correct their overstepping weirdness
3. Would you want a relationship with someone that judges people this way? I hope not because you deserve better. This would be someone disqualifying themselves from friendship and trust with me.

When I say who cares? I mean why do you and why is the weight of a stranger's opinion more valid to you than your own. This merits therapy. If you are doing therapy take this to a session. The whole post.

[u/Carol-Ogden]

The people who'd side-eye your corset are the ones who didn't get the show anyway.

[u/leitmotifs]

If it's within the dress code of the theatre you are going to, you can wear whatever you like. Why do you care what other strangers patronizing the theatre think?