Drag queens delight at Pattaya's Alcatzar Cabaret

PATTAYA, Thailand (JP): Splendid beaches and resorts, not cabaret shows, are what people usually think of when Pattaya is mentioned.

But the Alcatzar Cabaret, one of the cabaret theaters in the area, is not exaggerating when it claims to be as famous as the Paris Moulin Rouge.

Big difference? The Moulin Rouge features female stars but the Alcatzar has its famed drag queens.

Dressed up to the nines and looking almost every inch a woman, it is difficult to believe the performers are transvestites.

The Alcatzar does not depend on its stars alone.

By blending the art of acting with stage presentation, costume design and the sequence of sets, the Alcatzar captivates the audience in their seats.

Many of them have waited patiently in line for more than an hour just to buy the 400 baht (US$12.50) tickets.

"Visiting Pattaya without taking in the Alcatzar is the same as not coming here at all," a tourist guide, Somphorn Wangseritham, said.

Adults and children flock to the three shows at 5 p.m., 7 p.m and 9 p.m. every day.

Children clasped their hands in glee as the funny-looking "lady" performing the "Japanese Joke" seized on a male audience member and planted a kiss on his cheek .

Men held their breath and muttered a chorus of oohs and aahs as a beautiful performer, who looked very much like famous Mandarin star Anita Mui, serendaded them.

The Alcatzar Cabaret not only includes beautiful artists and comedy stars in its performances, but also traditional dancers from Japan, South Korea and Thailand.

Unlike most other traditional shows, which leave people yawning and waiting for the next performance, the Alcatzar does not fail to entertain.

The traditional performances are attractively composed by blending stage presentation, lights and glamourous costume design.

The wisely selected stage backgrounds do not distract the audience from the performers at center stage.

Plain decor prevails during the singer's set, but they are more exquisite and artistically designed for traditional dances.

The Alcatzar's outstanding decor is particularly noticeable in the staging of "The Last Emperor.

It is difficult to believe that it takes less than 10 minutes to transform the stage into a Japanese setting, complete with red-and-gold decor which stretches to the ceiling.

Located on Pattaya's second road, the Alcatzar was founded by the Pethrakul family 17 years ago, when Pattaya was just starting to become a famous resort.

Originally, it was a small theater of 300 seats and employed a staff of 40. The floor, stage and equipment were the bare basics.

The Alcatzar's general manager, Pisai Panomwan na Ayuthaya, said he noticed Pattaya was a popular site for transvestites when he first visited the resort.

Knowing the attraction of the Paris Moulin Rouge, he believed the drag queens would be fitting substitutes.

"In the early days, the Alcatzar's stars were not accepted because audiences misinterpreted the performances. But it is now enjoying world acclaim," Pisai said.

After years of hard work developing new techniques and technology, the Alcatzar now has a beautiful theater with seating capacity of more than 1,000 and state-of-the-art computer technology for theatrical effects.

A good living is also provided for its staff, which now numbers in the hundreds, as well as performers, support and administrative staff.

The Pethrakul family's business has expanded to include the Alcatzar Garden Restaurant, the Triangle Super Club and Island Cafe in the Alcatzar parking lot.

All this has come from a grand cabaret show highlighting the talents and quirky attraction of men dressed up as women.