Comedy Cabaret takes pride of place this summer

Rotorua's Blue Baths will come alive this summer as its Comedy Cabaret 2015 takes the stage.

The show It's a Quack Up takes the stage from January 13, running through until February 20.

The Blue Baths were the first bathhouse in New Zealand to allow men and women to bathe together.

"And that spirit of boundary pushing has never gone away. Embodying its own spirit of art deco decadence and risqué history, this larger-than-life hootenanny sees audiences indulging in bespoke cocktails and sharing platters as their funny bones get tickled," says the show's producers.

Creators Ian Harman and Darlene Mohekey have crafted a wild night out that mashes up the genres of comedy, illusion and burlesque, with a songbook that journeys from James Brown to Mary Poppins and from jazz right through to disco.

"Last year's Comedy Cabaret was such a hit with our audiences, pure joy in fact, that it begged a sequel. We are so proud to have an original work, created and performed by an outstanding cast of clever Kiwis to showcase our beautiful venue. Audiences this summer are in for a treat," said Jo Romanes, Blue Baths managing director.

The Blue Baths say it's recruited "iconic New Zealand talents" to stage the production.

Currently onscreen in the Kiwi horror flick Housebound, Rima Te Wiata brings a wealth of musical theatre experience and comic nouse as director.

Choreographer and local boy Taiaroa Royal is creating the crazy dance routines.

The artistic director of Okareka Dance Company, Royal regularly choreographs high profile events across Australasia including the Montana World of Wearable Arts Awards and Auckland's Christmas in the Park.

Stars also include Jason Chasland (Spector with The Beat Girls), Darlene Mohekey (TV1's Facelift, Wings) alongside newcomers Tainui Kuru and Nomi Cohen and burlesque performer Lola Illusion.

They'll bring to life a host of larger-than-life characters including the glorious Vixen Vamp, a dynamite diva whose chameleon-like voice channels everything from opera to smoky jazz.

There will be tap-dancing. There will be illusion. There might even be juggling.

?It's a Quack Up runs from January 13 - February 20. Monday to Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 4pm. Tickets on sale now from bluebaths.co.nz or (07) 350 2119. Premium: $55. Adult: $45. Senior Citizens: $35. Cheap Tuesday (January 20 only): $25.