A New Theater Show in Oakland is Bringing the Barbary Coast Era to Life Inside a Big Top Circus Tent
An immersive, circus-infused, scandalous, and historic dinner-theater experience is coming to downtown Oakland this month. The Soiled Dove, inspired by the Bay Area’s notorious Gold Rush & Barbary Coast era, kicks off September 28, with shows every Friday and Saturday evenings through November 17.
The experience will take place under a massive circus tent—a 12,000 square foot, 50-foot tall Italian Tortona Big Top to be exact—taking audiences back in time to the Soiled Dove, a saloon and dance hall in Oakland circa 1980, with decorated replica artifacts. The venue will be adorned with multiple aerial performance stages, a tent-wide gallery of local artisans, lots of sprawling lounges and craft vendors, along with an expansive saloon, of course.
Along with the elaborate backdrops and sets, the characters and misfits throughout the show will range from actors, dancers, acrobats, aerial artists, burlesque performers, and historical Bay Area characters of the era, with a cast of approximately 40 renowned performers. The show will also include a 10-piece live orchestra, with surprise musical-guest cameos appearing each evening.
Guests will be served a 4-course culinary meal pairing sustainable cuisine with tantalizing libations. Tickets cost $53 for just the show and $137 for the 4-course dinner and show combo. The event is only for ages 21 and up.
Beyond the circus show, the Big Top tent will also be used for a variety of community events during weekdays, and from November 18-December 15, it will also host Oakland-based organizations, art, and local artists.
Vau de Vire and Oakland Central present: The Soiled Dove
September 28 (every Friday & Saturday) through November 17, 2018
7:30pm (Dinner & Show) & 9:00pm (Show)
1911 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland
Photo Credit: Eric Gillet
