No one knew quite what to expect when Mike and John Barrett took over the reins of Key West’s infamous Aqua Nightclub. The former Taco Bell franchisees may have owned 109 restaurants throughout Upper New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, but operating a multi-venue nightclub just 90 miles from Cuba was a whole different enchilada. Turns out, these guys knew how to roll.
The dynamic duo teamed up with world-renowned female impressionist Christoper Peterson to transform Aqua Nightclub into “Aquaplex,” the Keys’ largest, most lavish new live performance venue that feels like a big city club with a Key West vibe.
At the center of it all is the Birdcage Cabaret. Home to Christopher Peterson’s rave-reviewed, ninety-minute three-act show, this lavish new live performance venue boasts a spacious stage framed with swanky theater curtains, a state-of-the-art sound system, intimate cabaret-style seating, and a signature cocktail bar. Christopher Peterson’s highly acclaimed show marquees his notorious impersonations of famous divas like Marilyn Monroe, Bette Midler, Tina Turner, Barbara Streisand, Cher, Judy Garland, Lady GaGa, and other Red Carpet icons.
Backing up Christopher’s live vocals is a rotating cast of “Aquanettes,” the complex’s outrageous group of lip-synching drag queens. You can also expect to see a variety of local performers, female singers, and Lord knows what else: maybe even jugglers or synchronized bowling?
When Christopher Peterson is directing a stage production, nothing is off the table, so come prepared for an unforgettable night. You can catch Christopher Peterson’s new show on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday nights at 7 pm.
In addition to performing at The Birdcage, the Aquanettes also appear in their own hit show nightly at 9 pm.
The Birdcage Cabaret Bar is open Sunday through Thursday from 2 pm – 2 am and on Friday and Saturday from 2 pm – 4 am. Enjoy Happy Hour prices and no cover charge when performances don’t occur.
You can find the Birdcage Cabaret entrance on the side of the Aquaplex at 504 Angela St. The Aquaplex main entrance is at 711 Duval. Info and tickets at 305-294-0555; aquakeywest.com/the-birdcage-cabaret
