Vaudeville vanguard

by SIOBHAN O'CONNOR

With the Divertissimo Cabaret--a new showcase of live performers kind of like those turn o' the century vaudevillians--set to begin tonight, Nov. 11, artistic director Yves Neuveu has been juggling a lot of acts. Neuveu, formerly with the Cirque du Soleil, has gathered together a troupe of Quebecois singers, magicians and tightrope walkers in an attempt to resurrect the old-school variety show.

"The visual concept is an elegant and intimate 1930s setting," he explains, "a place where people can see things they don't usually see while enjoying their favourite cocktail." And the setting is right: the old Corona Theatre, built in 1912, had its heyday as a vaudeville venue until it was closed by the Drapeau government in the '60s.

But don't be fooled--while the mood and setting are throwbacks to the golden days of performance, the acts all have a modern twist. To Dec. 3, Thurs.-Sat. at 2490 Notre-Dame W., 8:30 p.m., $25. Call 931-2088 for info.

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