This year, Arnaldo! is doing something a little different with his cabaret work—something that feels both personal and communal. What began as a solo opportunity at one of Seattle’s most respected theater companies has grown into a mini cabaret festival of sorts.
The idea took root after attended last year’s festival showcase at The Triple Door. Impressed, they approached Arnaldo! about performing a solo show as part of their cabaret series, offering him a coveted March opening slot.
“I thought and thought about it,” he recalls. “And I realized that if I wanted to help build a stronger cabaret community here, I didn’t want to do it alone.”
Instead, he proposed something bigger: each night would feature two different guest artists alongside him, creating space for local performers to shine on the Intiman stage. The theater embraced the concept enthusiastically—and “Arnaldo! & Friends” was born.
The show runs March 26–29 at Intiman’s Erickson Theatre, bringing a rotating lineup of local talent into one of the city’s most storied performance spaces.
For Arnaldo!, being included in Intiman’s season carries real weight. “It’s such a legendary Seattle theater company,” he says. “I’m very honored to be included. I’m trying not to overthink it and just enjoy the opportunity—do what I do best and have fun.”
As the evening’s host and drag chanteuse, Arnaldo! will provide a consistent throughline for each performance, though no two nights will be exactly alike. “My part will mostly stay the same,” he explains, “but it will shift depending on who’s performing. And of course, I’ll always add my personal touch.”
While collaboration might seem like a natural fit, Arnaldo! made a deliberate choice to step back and let his guests take center stage. “I thought about collaborating,” he says, “but I really want them to shine on their own. As host, I already have a lot of stage time. Let them have their moment.” He laughs, adding, “Besides, if I had everyone perform every night, it would turn into a four-hour show!”
That commitment to showcasing others extends beyond Intiman. The Seattle Cabaret Festival returns this spring for its 18th year, continuing its tradition of nurturing new talent. This year features ten debut acts, including nine cabaret students from Cornish.
Among those making their debut: Kat Jimenez with David Liu, The Drunken Tenor (Robert McPherson), the Cornish Showcase with Rich Gray, Vita Drew, Claudine Mboligikpelani Nako, Cassi Q Kohl, Black Bra Pirate Cabaret, John M. Stassen, Cynthia Clarey, and Jace Fogelman. You can explore the full artist lineup here.
The festival officially runs May 9 through June 6 at Egan’s Ballard Jam House, with a special opening night kick-off on May 8 at The Triple Door—the same venue where this latest chapter with Intiman first began.
Looking ahead, Arnaldo! is both reflective and hopeful. “I’m thrilled and grateful to be collaborating with Intiman,” he says. “It exposes us to a different audience and allows us to be part of a theater’s season.”
As for the festival, sustaining its future is top of mind. Now in its 18th year, it’s approaching a milestone—and an opportunity. A donor has issued a $10,000 challenge grant: if the festival can raise $10,000 by opening night on May 8, the donation will be matched.
“That would help ensure we’re here for our 20th anniversary—and hopefully beyond,” Arnaldo! says.
‘Arnaldo and Friends’ plays Intiman at Erickson Theatre from March 26-29 with the Seattle Cabaret Festival debuting at the Triple Door on May 8th and continuing May 9 to June 6 at Egan’s in Ballard.
