It'll be an entertainment extravaganza unlike no other when Beacher's Madhouse slams into The Venue at Hammond's Horseshoe Casino Saturday.
"It's a nightclub and a circus in an atmosphere of Halloween with the energy of New Year's Eve," said comedian/showman Jeff Beacher, during a recent telephone interview.
The event features musical and variety acts, dancers, DJs, wrestlers and surprise celebrity guests.
"This is an all-sensory experience and we integrate the audience," Beacher said.
During the Venue show, guests will be entertained by performers as diverse and bizarre as Tiny KISS, Alvin & the Chipmunks, Oompa Loompas, Mini Lady Gaga and a host of balancing acts, sword swallowers and other over-the-top troupes.
There'll also be costume contests and various competitions for guests to enter. (So you may want to don your best bold, festive or wacky outfit).
Beacher, who started doing his madhouse shows in 2002 as a permanent feature at the Hard Rock in Las Vegas, began taking his zany troupe on the road by bus about a year ago.
The comedian, who acts as emcee for the show, calls the event "a modern day vaudeville" production. Audiences who've seen the revue may easily label it vaudeville on steroids though.
Beacher said he's planning to present the madhouse in a permanent setting at Hollywood's Roosevelt Hotel beginning in May. He looks forward to bringing his antic-filled revue to the legendary hotel on Hollywood Boulevard which was a frequent haunt of Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe and the site of the first Academy Awards.
Circus acts were long an alluring attraction for Beacher.
"I always liked the circus atmosphere," he said. "I loved it since I was a kid," he said adding his grandfather had a company presenting games at Coney Island's amusement area.
Beacher couldn't say exactly what surprise guests/celebrities will be in the house at the Venue. At every engagement, at least a few of Beacher's "celebrity" friends show up. Safe to say it's just a wait-and-see kind of thing.
For Beacher, the madhouse concept is a perfect vehicle for the tour circuit as it features a definite party atmosphere.
On the current show roster, Beacher said there's a diverse array of acts meant to keep the energy high and the fun going for hours.
"I'm most excited about the Oompa Loompas being in the show," Beacher said.
Be forewarned. This is not your grandmother's circus.
Beacher's Madhouse, 9 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: The Venue at Horseshoe Casino, 777 Casino Center Drive, Hammond
COST: $25, $30 and $35
FYI: (219) 473-6060
