Viru’s new cabaret shines
In 1972, the Viru Hotel was Tallinn’s first high-rise building and the city’s pride. Viru Varietee also got its start in the new hotel and was the Soviet Union’s first variety show. The dance shows finished in 1994.
The Sokos Hotell Viru has done us all a cultural favour, reviving the variety show tradition. The cabaret theatre Starlight Cabaret presents the revue performance “Forever Young” in the Viru Merineitsi restaurant, which tells the story of Estonia’s 100-year history through the medium of song and dance.
In addition to the performance, you can also enjoy a three-course gourmet dinner, prepared by Viru’s talented Markus Tammpere. The menu includes Estonian red deer, quail, and salmon. Let one of the sommeliers help you choose the appropriate wine.
The show is also in three parts. Old photographs shown on large tvs help you follow the performance and you don’t need to know Estonian either.
Kristjan Kurm’s production is a success. The first period of independance portrays Estonia as a country of love, the Soviet period as a period without love and present day as a period of free love. The show exudes true passionate revue theatre.
Many different types of music are portrayed in the revue. The dance numbers are particularly compelling. The soloists are a joy to watch. While a stage sets certain limits, the show as a whole it still top class.
The colourful costumes are well chosen. Eurovision, which is particularly important to Estonians is the show’s climax. The show’s humour and love scenes, as well as self-irony made the audience laugh more than a few times, on the night I attended.
“Forever Young” cabaret will run until 29 April 2017. Performances take place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.
Tickets for the cabaret are available online from piletilevi.ee for €69, which includes a glass of sparkling wine, the performance, a three-course dinner and free entry to Cafe Amigo nightclub.
Accommodation packages are available from Sokos Hotell Viru and ferry companies travelling between Estonian also offer travel packages.
Location
Sokos Hotel Viru
Viru väljak 4, Tallinn
www.varietee.ee
Click on the address to see the location.
TEXT TIMO HUTTUNEN, PHOTOS SOKOS HOTEL VIRU
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