Opium Dens, Gangsters and the Underground... Mysteries, Magic and the Unknown. 

 Shanghai, 1920: The Far East is an unexplored land of wild adventures. The French are buzzing with the freedom of the 1920s.  A calling of more exotic travel is in the air. The French understanding of a counter culture's allure has urged them to explore. Take a trip on the French cruise line with the “Grand Guignolers Shanghai Tours” and see the dark and strange underbelly of Shanghai!

The Sing Song Girls of Shanghai

“Absinthe Opium & Magic: 1920s Shanghai” is a spectacular adventure under the direction of Debbie McMahon. A full scale production that brings life to the Theatre Row here in Los Angeles.  A truly captivating experience from start to finish. The theater group of The Grand Guignoler's do a fantastic job of creating a wonderful trip back in time. They fully embody a very different kind of lifestyle. Dramatic choreography and sharp depictive music move this cruise through the alternate reality of the Orient.  

Never a dull moment with The Grand Guignoler's as they bring a multitude of creative styling into this piece.  A very hauntingly dynamic yet comical remembrance of a vaudeville-style production. Two amazing fusions are brought forth in this affair. The hip pre-show party gives you a time warp to the 1920s. The crew on the French Cruise Liner welcome you as you begin your voyage back in time. All guests are urged to dress up and play along with their hosts. Period pictures are taken before you depart as well as joining the others for a Absinthe and tea tasting in the very sultry and mooed lounge. You can cut a rug and dance the Charleston or watch the Flashlight Follies.  Then take your seats as the ship departs. 

 

Elizabeth Weisbaum as Clever Baby

This visual voyage draws you in with its profoundly elaborate story. Masterful set design... well tuned characters...abstract adventures...all leave your mind enthralled. The Grand Beguiler's presentation is a worthwhile trip... and the stamp in your passport. Its all encompassing conception brings an edgy color to the Los Angeles theater scene. A very unique and esoteric show touches on many exploratory realms of storytelling.  From a graphic French philosophizing puppet named Jean-Pierre to a new twist on The Sorcerer's Apprentice.  This is a one-of-a-kind night of fun entertainment. 

Debbie McMahon Director as The Sorcerer's Apprentice

Debbie McMahon's direction is a truly original and brilliant style. The captivating choreography is masterful in the hands of Dance Choreographer Jeanne Simpson and Fight Choreographer Gregory Hoffman. Quirky antics by Clowns Ember Knight and Jesse March keep the crowd well entertained. Dani O'Terry's striking voice and artful storytelling leave you engulfed in the world of Sing Song Girls and Gangsters. A divine and very talented cast have been brought together in this avant garde production. It is a night of entertainment unlike any other in Los Angeles and well worth the adventure out! 

 

Find out more about the up and coming presentations by the Grand Guignolers on their website www.grandguignolers.com. Absinthe, Opium and Magic: 1920s Shanghai runs till January 3rd at the Art/ Works Theatre 6569 Santa Monica Blvd. For tickets visit www.brownpapertickets.com or call 1-800-838-3006. Make sure you dust off your vintage attire and dress to impress.