The news saddened Parisians and all cabaret lovers around the world. Chez Michou could not survive the death of its founder and had to close its doors. But this emblematic place will not remain empty of spectators for too long. Gad Elmaleh was in fact authorized to buy it back. The comedian plans to do a place dedicated to laughter and comedy.
The success of comedy clubs with the public cannot be denied. With this acquisition, Gad Elmaleh will also have his place dedicated to comedy. He will therefore no longer be the only one of the greats of humor not to have his own stage. Jamel Debbouze, and the Jamel Comedy ClubFary with Madame Sarfati, Baptiste Lecaplain with the Joke, in fact all already have a place of their own.
The end of an institution
Founded in 1956 by Michel Catty, known to everyone as Michouthe Chez Michou cabaret was one of the emblematic places of the nightlife in the capital. This room was one of the first to offer from spectacles of transformation alliant glamour, humour et extravagance.
A unique space in which artists could freely transform themselves into icons of French and international song, such as Dalida, Edith Piaf, or even Brigitte Bardot.
The death of its illustrious owner caused the fall of this legendary cabaret which first experienced financial difficulties then went into liquidation in mid-July. A heartbreak for the 23 employees who had to be made redundant, but an end which ultimately is only the wish of the founder. “I want this house to disappear with me. It may seem pretentious, but the cabaret will not survive me”declared Michou shortly before his death.
crédit photo : Shutterstock
Michou wanted his cabaret to go with him.
Gad Elmaleh will take over the Chez Michou cabaret
As its creator wished, this Mecca of Parisian nights will no longer be a transformist cabaret. However, the public will be able to continue to come and have fun there. In fact, justice chose Gad Elmaleh to buy back the business. The comedian, however, did not buy the brand “Chez Michou”the place will therefore change its name, and surely its audience too since it intends to make
“a place of comedy and humorwhile keeping the soul of the place“.
Catherine Catty-Jacquart, Michou’s niece approves of this buyout and made it known. “Gad Elmaleh will continue to keep 80 rue des Martyrs alive, having fallen into the right hands as Michou would have liked. We would have been unfortunate if the place became something other than a cabaret. It will no longer be called Chez Michou, but
Gad will make it a very beautiful place. It’s a very good thing to turn the page, by taking a turn.”
crédit photo : Shutterstock Gad Elmaleh takes over Chez Michou.
Les Michettes delighted with the takeover
As reported The ParisianAntoine Chaudeur, the youngest of Michettes, the nickname Michou gave to his artists, is also delighted. “We spoke about this news with former colleagues and we are very happy that the place is coming back to life with or without the name Michou. It would have been very sad if this legendary scene no longer saw any artists passing by.”. Little wink of destiny, Antoine had been baptized Chouchou upon his arrival in the cabaret.
crédit photo : Shutterstock Michou’s relatives are delighted that Gad Elmaleh is buying the place.
“Gad Elmaleh hasn’t contacted us, but you never know, maybe he will invite us to perform one day in his new comedy club”he added. “Gad Elmaleh performed Chouchoua transvestite, and now he’s buying from Michou: there’s no coincidence”commented Zélia, wedding dress designer and long-time friend of Michou. It’s also a safe bet that Chouchou will make an appearance on stage during the inauguration of the place in its new form.
