A Vintage Cabaret Brings Old Hollywood Mischief to South Pasadena

Toots McApplesauce would like you to know she is only slightly misbehaving. The vintage-inspired cabaret character brings her blend of old Hollywood glamour and playful mischief to Visionarium Live Italian in South Pasadena on Friday, July 17, from 7 to 9 p.m., for an evening of jazz standards, comedy and storytelling.

Behind the character is Susan Sassi, a Los Angeles-based performer, singer, writer and producer whose career spans musical theater, comedy and cabaret. As Toots, she serves up American Songbook classics and nostalgic favorites, laced with audience interaction and, as the show’s title promises, just the right amount of trouble.

The setting leans into the theme. Visionarium Live Italian, a restaurant and live-music venue, pairs the show with Italian food, wine and cocktails in an intimate room. A ticket reserves a table for the evening, and its cost is fully redeemable toward food and drinks — so the price of admission doubles as dinner and a glass of wine.

The result is billed as a throwback to a more elegant era, equal parts concert, comedy set and supper club. Tickets are available in advance.

“Toots McApplesauce: Only Slightly Misbehaving” will run Friday, July 17, from 7 to 9 p.m. Visionarium Live Italian, 1020 Mission St., Unit H, South Pasadena. For tickets, visit eventbrite.com. Tickets: $25, fully redeemable toward food and beverages.