Cabaret does not seem to be a format of entertainment that appeals to everyone. In fact, most fans of the style that I know either starred in their high school production of Pippin and/or could be caught singing “Maybe This Time” in the shower. Then again, The Warehouse Next Door was packed with eager audience members and clear Cabaret fans (this writer included) Tuesday night, so either D.C. has a lot of former theatre people, or cabaret’s appeal is becoming more universal.

But how does Naked Cabaret, one of many Fringe cabaret offerings, stack up? While it has some engaging performers and well-chosen songs, it also personifies some of the annoying qualities that turn people off of the genre.

What are those qualities? Exaggerated facials (one performer in particular seems to substitute wide eyes and excessive blinking for expressiveness). Corny interaction with the audience. Painfully-protracted banter. And emotions that don’t quite ring true; while the show is set-up as an emotional “therapy session” of sorts that lets its performers get their secrets off their chests, the hugs the singers exchange after a particularly emotional number seem forced rather than convincing.