Cabaret is a form of
entertainment featuring
music,
song,
dance,
recitation or
drama. It is mainly distinguished by the performance venue, such as in a
restaurant,
pub or
nightclub with a stage for performances. The audience, often dining or drinking, does not typically dance but usually sits at tables. Performances are usually introduced by a
master of ceremonies or MC (sometimes spelled emcee in the U.S.). The entertainment, as done by an ensemble of actors and according to its European origins, is often (but not always) oriented towards adult audiences and of a clearly
underground nature. In the United States,
striptease,
burlesque,
drag shows, or a
solo vocalist with a pianist, as well as the
venues which house such events, are often advertised as cabarets.
