Grinch’s Ex-Wife Takes Stage in Philadelphia – Metro Philadelphia

We all know the Grinch, but what about his ex-wife?

Philadelphians are about to find out with the return of “Mabeline,” a dynamic drag and performance extravaganza from Bearded Ladies Cabaret and House of Diorio, in partnership with Opera Philadelphia and Voyeur Nightclub.

Cookie Diorio is the mastermind behind this new world premiere, aptly named “The Graining Tour’. Performances are scheduled to begin at Voyeur (a popular downtown nightclub located at 1221 St. James Street) on December 12 and will continue through next Saturday, December 21.

As a release describes, this show features dazzling visuals, dynamic dancers and surprise appearances from Whoville and Philly legends. The character of Mabeline “Grinchester” Diorio (aka Cookie Diorio) is specifically from Whoville and comes with a background of rap and other vocal performances.

“Mabeline rose to fame around town with her tell-all debut single ‘Christmas Tree,’ which turned around her relationship with ex-husband and mining magnate Louis Grinchester III, better known as the Grinch,” the release said. The “Greenaissance Tour” in 2024 will also feature other hits like “My Patina” and “Green Light” and other holiday classics that “you’ve never seen before.”

While Cookie has been in and out of the drag scene since 2002, she began performing regularly in the Philadelphia area as host of the Art Song Repertory Theater Company’s show series “Saturday Afternoon Drinking Songs” in 2013, according to the release notes. Since then, she has produced the shows “Fire In My Bones: A Gospel Jubilee”, “Beauty From Our Sorrows”, “Telling Herstories”, “Forces of Nature”, “Music: The Food of Love”. And Me Too, I Sing America’ and has also been a soloist at events, galas, concerts and on the cabaret stage.

Philadelphians will also recognize The Bearded Ladies Cabaret brand from larger productions (such as the annual Philadelphia Fringe Festival) and other large-scale shows around the city.

“By sharing our original pieces and creating tailor-made platforms for performances at home in Philadelphia, nationally and abroad, we maintain artistic connections for a community of misfits, agitators and singers. And the people who love and need them,” read a statement from The Bearded Ladies.

Their work has been seen throughout Philadelphia, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Eastern State Penitentiary, Opera Philadelphia, Wilma Theater, FringeArts, and the Delaware River Waterfront. They also brought their cabaret revolution to Miami, Seattle, Paris, Washington DC, New Zealand, Provincetown, Maryland and Delaware. In New York, their work has been seen at Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater, La MaMa Etc, Works & Process at the Guggenheim, and Lincoln Center.

Some of Cabaret’s most notable works right here in Philadelphia Also comes from their signature programs: The Beardmobile and LATE NIGHT SNACKS.

“We designed the Beardmobile not only to showcase Bearded Ladies artists, but also to be a resource for performing arts and social justice organizations,” said John Jarboe (she/her), artistic director of The Beards .

“With (LATE NIGHT SNACKS), the initial impetus behind it was both a celebration of Philadelphia and Philadelphia cabaret performers. It was also an opportunity to meet an international community of cabaret artists and has Also foster an international community of cabaret artists. We were bringing artists from New York, Berlin or Paris to Philadelphia and putting them on stage with some of our local artists,” added Sally Ollove, associate artistic director of the Cabaret in a previous statement.

“Mabeline: The Greenaissance Tour,” in particular, is directed by Brett Robinson and stars Jess Conda as DJ Cindy Lou Who and Lili St. Queer as Horton.

“Whether you love or hate the season, invite your friends, dress up in green and prepare scream for the true green goddess. Let the Greenaissance begin,” Diorio finishes.

General admission in advance, pay what you want ($0-35) standing places tickets can be purchased at Beardedladiescabaret.com. Reserved table tickets for $50 are also available. All-you-can-eat tickets will also be available at the door. More information can be found online.