Pensacola Little Theatre’s Cabaret: Storybook Soiree
As Pensacola Little Theatre (PLT) closes the chapter on its 2025-2026 season, its signature fundraising event steps back into the spotlight for its 25th anniversary. Cabaret: Storybook Soirée turns a fresh page on PLT’s annual celebration of the arts, transforming The Clark Family Cultural Center (The Center) into an immersive literary escape.
Cabaret: Storybook Soirée will take place on March 28 at The Center located at 400 S. Jefferson St. in downtown Pensacola.
Each year, PLT transforms The Center with a new Cabaret theme, inviting guests to wander from room to room as each space unfolds like a chapter—bringing the worlds of beloved classic stories to life.
This year, PLT’s staff and volunteers are shaping the rooms of the building into a living storybook, with each featured artist taking inspiration from classic fairy tales and literary legends to craft unique experiences in every room. This literature-centric theme is the brainchild of PLT Marketing Director Ashley Simmons.
“With the storybook soiree, every room is going to be a different literary adventure,” Simmons said.
Attendees who enter the venue will be met with a massive library, and traveling outside takes you on a dungeon tour of villains, showing well-known no-gooders like Lady Macbeth and Pennywise. There will also be a Midsummer Masquerade with a Pride and Prejudice meets Bridgerton vibe. The rooftop area will showcase Camelot-inspired themes and decor.
Kayla Stephenson, PLT’s technical director, is spearheading the construction of the rooms and set pieces, converting a stage into a giant storybook and creating a bar within a large teacup.
These performances, exhibitions and music will entertain guests beginning at 7:30 pm. Although the dress code for Cabaret is formal, this year, the team behind Cabaret encourages guests to dress in attire inspired by their favorite literary characters.
“The dress code is also one of my favorite parts because it is black tie formal, but we would love a little whimsy,” Simmons said. “So, if you want to dress up as your favorite literary character but make it formal, that’s what we’re looking for—like a fancy Alice in Wonderland.”
This year’s Cabaret will feature a diverse range of performative art, including live bands, ballerinas, fire-breathers, aerial performers, drag performers and much, much more.
“I love that we’ve integrated and spotlighted the talent that we have here for the party,” Simmons said. “We’re not just speaking about outside talent. We’re really going within and using our own volunteers. I love the yearly drag performance for the event. That always gets super fun and really artistic.”
Guests will also enjoy a variety of culinary creations, including specialty party fare served later in the evening and handcrafted macarons prepared by PLT Board Member and Chef Michael Gordy.
However, the festivities will not rest until the clock strikes midnight. For the first time in Cabaret history, starting at 10:30 pm, the Moonlight Madness afterparty will follow the soirée, taking the celebration to The Rooftop, The Center’s recently unveiled exclusive bar and event space. Here, guests can serve their moves on the dance floor to a live DJ, and they can be served craft cocktails to enjoy under a starry sky.
Drag performers will also take to The Rooftop, following up their performances downstairs with show-stopping encores. The sensational drag performances, lively energy and luxurious libations make the Moonlight Madness afterparty an unforgettable conclusion to a night of stories and celebration.
Cabaret continues to be a magnet of community, revelry and artistry through its enthralling storybook soirée theme. However, Cabaret is not only a celebration of local art and creative expression but also a crucial component to PLT’s $150,000 funding goal for its annual slate of theatrical productions, acting classes and community outreach programs. The event serves as the perfect opportunity to support Pensacola’s artistic community, funding future stories that PLT’s volunteers and staff seek to create.
“People need art in their life,” PLT Technical Director Kayla Stephenson said. “It’s a great part of the community that different walks of life can come and enjoy it and be a part of who we are. That’s what Cabaret is about: experience something different and come enjoy what we are—come be a part of the family.”
Sponsorship opportunities have also returned to Cabaret. Currently, 140 sponsor tickets are available, which provide a premium Cabaret experience, including expedited entry to the event and access to the pre-party for Cabaret at The Rooftop, exclusive performances and the premium bar. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Tucker O’Connor at [email protected].
Tickets for Cabaret are currently available for $150 each, which provide full access to the event, including six open-bar venues, culinary art catering, live entertainment and various performances. Tickets for the Moonlight Madness afterparty are $100 each.
For tickets and information, call the PLT Box Office at (850) 432-2042 or visit pensacolalittletheatre.com.