Additional reporting by Stephen Tortora-Lee

Mini Fridge was a qualified success this year, with seven shows and seven ways to beat the heat, be dazzled by a variety of entertainers and cross your fingers in the hopes that some of these great shows will be returning bigger, better and badder.  Hopefully you read the Elevenses so you had your pre-show snack  … and even more hopefully you caught some of the ‘fridge.  But if you didn’t, here’s what was in that tiny box (besides beer of course!) —

Bare.  Stripped down and honest, in your face and not making any excuses, Bare. was a riviting collaboration between paired teams of burlesque performers and seriously stimulating storytellers.  The idea was to deliver stories which were uncomfortable for everyone –  audience and performer alike.  But sometimes what gets revealed in the uncomfortable moments is actually more familiar than we’d like to admit, and Bare. offered the unique opportunity to experience something difficult in the universally safe environment of theatre.

It was the juxtaposition of unveiling while weaving – taking away while creating – salty and sweet: the best use of your senses. The result was unconventional and groundbreaking.  Issues included having sex for the first time, initial attraction to girls and one memorable performance which was the reenactment having a hymen broken. This was sensuality and strangeness … all living up to the straightforward title and leaving nothing hiding undercover.

The intention is for Bare. to go on from here; three more performances are in the works: September, November and capping off with a final show in December. For those interested in a REALLY different set of circumstances, the September show will feature a switch up: the burlesque performers will write the stories and the writers will strip down.

Curated and hosted by Peter Aguero this special Mini Fridge volume starred Adam Wade, Sarah Jenness, Diana Spechler, Magdalena Fox, Francine, Amelia Bareparts, and Mary Cyn as The Kraken.

Written by Alexis Roblan and Rachel Kerry, Bible Burlesque is what happens when your FRIGID show, Daughters of Lot, needs to raise money to get to the Edinburgh Fringe.  Whereas Daughters of Lot was the story of the two bible gals told through the eyes of feminist burlesque performers, Bible Burlesque goes behind the scenes to tap into the funnier side of what goes into creating a show  - especially one with a premise that tries to marry Bible with Burlesque.

“The events depicted in this show are real … at least the parts about fundraising” states the program … and so, without pulling any punches, begins the meta telling of this journey.  Equal parts storytelling and burlesque (with maybe a little more storytelling) Roblan and Kerry are portrayed by Marelena Kalm and Victoria Longwell who re-enact the process of how one (or in this case, two) exactly go about creating a unique burlesque show built on biblical themes.    Everything from a Noah’s Arc theme to “What if God F*cked one of us?” crossed thier minds and crossed the stage with often hilarious results.

The good news is that as of the time of the show they raised enough money for Daughters of Lot to get to Edinburgh … just not enough money for any of them to eat during their overseas stay.  Let’s hope when they’re abroad they meet a dude who can work a miracle or two around some loaves and fishes.  Hey, it worked once, right?

Bye Bye Bombay was full of the sights, sounds and personalities of India, all channeled through Gauri – a young woman who makes the trip to follow in her mother’s footsteps.  Cara Yeates – who wrote and performed – channeled many different characters convincingly and used screen projections and a driving soundrack to bring the world of Bombay – and Bollywood – alive.

Most impressive among talents such as puppetry, mimicry and storytelling was the way Yeates  performed a showstopping dance as she lip-synched to a dazzling Bollywood production number, bringing the lavish world of Bollywood to UNDER St. Marks.  Yeates also notably embodied an arguing couple who fought with each other in one of the many languages spoken in India.  When Ms. Yeates says she lived in India for a year, there’s no doubt about it.

By turns both forceful and delicate, Bye Bye Bombay was a true delight.   As a New Yorker I thrilled to the fact that, through this one-woman-show, I was given confirmation that a place exists which appears to be crazier, more crowded, and more chaotic than New York.  However, what India also appears to have is a plethora of spirituality and a means to find your center if only you can break away from the hypnotic Bollywood beat … something else which Ms. Yeates was able to capture and manifest beautifully.  Bye Bye Bombay may be bye bye for now, but I’m hoping we have another chance to meet again soon.

A striking combination of futuristic noir, multimedia and music ranging from lounge to complex ambient initium/finis  is a gripping story that pulls you through many layers of a world that represents – as the title implies – the beginning and the end, melding past with future.

Metropolis fans will find an echo of that world here.  Ellery Royston embodies two clones who are experiencing two sides of a story which involves murder, intrigue and a journey toward self discovery in an alien future.

initium/finis was mezmerizing, with deep themes  that were well executed with a stunning multimedia component which alone was worth the price of admission.   It depicted an overlay of lush city scenes as well as short movies.  These shorts captured Royston’s stunning range —  for while she’s expressive on stage she’s even moreso in the filmed sequences.
Possibly most compelling were scenes executed in shadow play where much of the “real” action happened at times – the intrigue of this heightened version of the characters offered an extra note of theatricality and dimension.

Back after a successful FRIGID run, initium/finis shows that there seems to be no end in the near future for this deeply affecting story.

As usual Killy Mockstar Dwyer and her talented band delivered an inside-out performance  – crowds who know and love KTB should know better than to expect run of the mill when it comes to this bunch!  Kill the Band: Mock Bottom  started off with a dark theatre – extremely so – as we’re all trapped in the darkness with Killy who gropes about and tries to figure out where she is.

Of course it’s a relief when she comes to find she was simply lost in a closet after a night of drunken debauchery right after recording Kill The Band’s new album, Mock Bottom.

Killy then launches into a strong opening performance which got the crowd pumping.  What followed was 60 minutes of pure energy and frenetic joy delivered in typical Kill The Band style as Killy and her loyal (and seriously talented) musicians- Joe Yoga, Mike Milazzo, Blair Frowner and The Human Drum Machie- delivered one song after another that was both funny, thoughtful and catchy.

No simple concert, though, the songs were couched in the centeral theme of Killy at her shrink’s office with each of her band members representing one or more of the stages of grief.   A monologue of the creative process would then seque into a Mock Bottom song.

And if you found yourself loving these catchy songs (which include favorites Ben Kingsley, Girl Balls, Clone U, See Something Say Something and Famous Baby) an album was included with the price of admission.

If you weren’t able make the show that doesn’t mean you have to be empty handed with no Kill The Band songs to sing – never that.

• To order the hard copy CD (with 12 page art/lyrics/liner notes booklet!)  visit www.KILLYTHEKID.com.
• To buy the album on ITunes click here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/mock-bottom/id530564603.
• To buy on Amazon http://amzn.com/B0086JZTHQ

Legendary: A Man-tasia was first described to me as a drag show without the drag, but Legendary: A Man-tasia wound up being much, much more.  Sure, there was superb lip-synching with so much sass, attitude and choreography that at times it was impossible to sit still in your seat.  But the story was expertly woven through the showstopping numbers – finely crafted to tug at your heartstrings.  Not simply a backed-into plot to accomodate the songs, this story of two men: Larry (Michael Awusie) and his love Stev (Mark O’Connell) trying to define their relationship as they try to define themselves was heartwarming, bittersweet, loving, sexy, and a triumph.  But oh, let’s talk about those lip-synch numbers!

Larry’s rendition of Sheree Whitfield’s – “Who Gon Check Me Boo?” was absolutely inspired (and I can’t stop YouTubing it.  Not for the original, but in memory of  Michael’s version). The show was filled with moments of pure, joyful production numbers like this. To watch O’Connell and Christopher Burris as Bishop Eddie Long (who has a naughty, nasty hold over Larry) duke it out in a battle with musical fireworks worthy of those spewed forth by Harry Potter and Voldermort as they channeled superdivas Whitney Houston & Aretha Franklin for “It Isn’t, It Wasn’t, It Ain’t Never Gonna Be” to underline the point that “he aint never, ever, never never, never gonna be your man” gave me goosebumps.  In fact,  it made me wanna go out and steal someone’s man just so I could re-enact this scene on my own.  I mean … seriously boo.

Cap this all off with a stupendous Jennifer Holiday channeled by Kimberlee Walker who had me shaking and, well – could you want more? Oh … wait … a fantastic story. All this lucious lip-synching is draped over the terrific bones of a strong story of one man who is trying to shake off the past (Bishop Eddie Long – who is actually there in spirit, but what a spirit it is) and embrace his present: Stev, a tall drink of water who loves him like Islands In The Stream (aww! Sweet!) but can’t quite come out of the closet far enough to shout it from the mountains. Well, not yet.

And, I did mention Jennifer Holiday, right? This was A Man-tasia in the truest sense of the word -and while I actually don’t KNOW what the truest sense of the word ‘Man-tasia” actually is I will say it’s a  fantasy, told from the heart, set to a driving soundtrack of amazing songs (and a little Babs in there too of course). This was no show – this was an experience. I want it back again, ASAP. Weekly if possible – with surprise guests! Pleeeez???

 

Xmas in July?  You bet your buttons!  Or, in the case of Lord Gregory & Mademoiselle Godin’s miniXMAS Spectacular - you bet your bouton!

This french brother and sister act have it all.  Charm, style, talent … and what friends they have!  Greg Levin and Michelle Leona Godin don the outfits of a bygone french era and the personalities of french twins to create a salon in which their charming circle could congregate to celebrate  miniXMAS for our enjoyment.

One after another their talented friends came to the stage to kick up their heels with the crowd.  So many! Joe Yoga was there and you know what a fan I am of his!  Leslie Goshko did the most inspired version of Frosty The Snowman I ever heard … If Frosty was actually that guy whom Alanis Morrisette wrote about in You Oughta Know.  (WHY did no one ever do that mashup before?  No matter … Leslie did – and it’s brilliant).  AND imagining FROSTY is a lot better than imagining that guy from Full House putting it to Alanis, non?

Michael Birch reminded everyone that We Need A Little Christmas … and also reminded us that the whipping sound in Sleigh Ride (1:07 in this beloved Boston Pop version) is actually … you know ... a horse being whipped.  Still, it didn’t keep us from merrily participating whip and all.  After-all, miniXMAS is all about tradition!  Then Beezy Douglas weighed in with an anti-christmas song because it is JULY after all.

But there were skits too!  Lord Gregory himself wound up playing the Santa who got caught in a sting set up for a pedophile … though he digs himself deeper and deeper (But Becky wrote me a letter!  I brought this bag of toys!  Children write their fantasies to me!!!)  Later after Chromatic Stampede sang about wanting nothing more for christmas than consumer debt forgiveness Peter DeGiglio flipped the script on Twas The Night Before Christmas and pulled out an aresenal of voices from his bag of tricks as he told a Mook miniXMAS story — in verse.  C’est Manifique

With a Krampus making an appearance via shadow puppet master Ceili Clemens the whole evening was pretty much complete.

Like any good miniXMAS there were a few other little surprises under the tree, but the real present was the great feeling of joy and good will toward men and … oh forget it.  It’s JULY.

Thanks Lord Gregory and Mademoiselle Godin for sharing your love of miniXMAS – and your love of each other  … and sharing your friends with us!  See you next miniXMAS!  Whenever that may be!

And that’s it for Mini Fridge this year.  Good job everyone.  See you next year, starting with Elevenses.

Related Posts:

• Grab A Snack From The Mini-Fridge
• It’s Time For Mini-Fridge Elevenses With Kill The Band – Mock Bottom Mockumental CD Release Experience!
• Last Looks At The Happiest Medium In 3-D – Pull Your Glasses Out
• It’s Time For Mini-Fridge Elevenses With Bible Burlesque!
• Daughters Of Lot – A Lot Going On (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

 The Mini-Fridge Elevenses*

11 Questions, 11 Answers … ZERO calories, and 100% YUMMY!

 *Elevenses is a snack that is similar to afternoon tea, but eaten in the morning and might consist of some cake or biscuits with a cup of coffee or tea. The name refers to the time of day that it is taken: around 11 am. 

Bare.

Produced by: Your Mom Presents

Raw stories paired with raw burlesque. Bare. will rip the heart out of your chest, place it lovingly back in, and proceed to do it all over again.

 Show Times:

• Sunday July 1st @ 9PM

Answers by: Peter Aguero
(creator, curator, host )

 1. Your tag line is featured above, so we know the PR version of what this play is about. But when you talk to your family and friends, how do you explain the show to them?
Peter:  My favorite stories are the hardest to tell. My favorite burlesque acts are usually the most emotionally complicated. With this show, I’ve combined the two. Each story is paired with a burlesque act that comments on the shared theme.

2. Here’s a scenario: After the show some audience members go have a drink. What’s the part of the show you hope they’re discussing?
Peter:  I hope that they are too emotionally worn out to discuss anything.

3. What drives your show – character, theme or plot?
Peter:  Theme.

4. What’s the one thing someone said about the show so far that made you the most proud?
Peter: I’ve had more than one person tell me that they hated me for making them confront their own demons while watching the show.

5. Let’s fantasize for a moment. Let’s take the “off-off” off. Imagine this show is on Broadway. Would that change the production itself?
Peter: Nope. Simple is best. Though I’d probably blow the cash on fireworks and pyro for no reason.

6. Taking that one step further – after paying everyone what they’re worth of course, what is the most lavish, luxurious, frivolous thing you would spend money on if there was no constraints? (Think of the helicopter in Miss Saigon).
Peter: I’d buy myself a robotic mech suit with rocket launchers and a whiskey dispenser.

7. Is there a scene, a moment, anything that gets a completely different reaction depending on the audience that night?
Peter:   Each production has different story/burlesque pairings so every time we do it, there’s a different reaction.

8. What’s your favorite line from the show?
Peter:   ”Thank you for coming” – that means that we made it through alive.

9. Is the world of this play sustainable outside a theatre? In other words … do you think people live the way the characters do? Would you want a world where they do?
Peter:  I tell the truth (or as close to it as possible) in my stories. I also spend most of my time with burlesque performers. Whether or not my lifestyle is sustainable is still under review.

10. You scan the audience and you see a face that stops you dead in your tracks – who is it? And why are you shocked?
Peter:  My dad. I tell a lot of stories about him and he wouldn’t be pleased about any of them.

11. Time for Elevenses! Go to the mini-fridge of your fantasy hotel. What’s your dream 11:00am snack?
Peter:  Coconut Macaroons and a cup of coffee.

Thanks, Peter, for having your Elevenses with us here at THM!  We can’t wait to see Bare.!

If you’d like to catch Bare. at The Mini-Fridge Festival find out more by clicking this link.

~~~

HORSE TRADE THEATER GROUP IN ASSOCIATION WITH FRIGID NEW YORK PRESENT THE 2012 MINI-FRIDGE

JUNE 28 – JULY 4 @ UNDER ST. MARKS The mini-festival will play at UNDER St. Marks (94 St. Marks Place between 1st Avenue and Avenue A) June 28-July 4. Tickets ($15/$12 students & seniors) are available online  or by calling 212-868-4444. 

Related Posts:

• It’s Time For Mini-Fridge Elevenses With Bye Bye Bombay!
• Why So Much Shame?: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• It’s Time For Mini-Fridge Elevenses With initium/finis!
• It’s Time For Mini-Fridge Elevenses With Kill The Band – Mock Bottom Mockumental CD Release Experience!
• It’s Time For Mini-Fridge Elevenses With Lord Gregory & Mademoiselle Godin’s miniXMAS Spectacular!

 The Mini-Fridge Elevenses*

11 Questions, 11 Answers … ZERO calories, and 100% YUMMY!

 *Elevenses is a snack that is similar to afternoon tea, but eaten in the morning and might consist of some cake or biscuits with a cup of coffee or tea. The name refers to the time of day that it is taken: around 11 am. 

Bible Burlesque

Produced  by: Brain Melt Consortium
Written by: Alexis Roblan + Rachel Kerry
 

To raise money for the Edinburgh production of their biblical feminist burlesque-themed play, Rachel and Ali have decided to put on a night of hot, lurid bible stories – but they’ve got very different ideas about what that means. An hour of comic meta-theatrical sexy-time. In Biblical proportions.

Show Times:

• Saturday, June 30 @ 8:30pm

Answers by:  Alexis Roblan
(Co-writer/Co-producer)

 1. Your tag line is featured above, so we know the PR version of what this play is about. But when you talk to your family and friends, how do you explain the show to them?
Alexis: When Horse Trade offered us a slot in MiniFridge, we (Brain Melt Consortium) decided to put something simple together as a fundraising event for the show we’re taking to Edinburgh Fringe this August (Daughters of Lot, FRIGID 2012). We wanted to throw together some burlesque acts based on Bible stories, but as Rachel (my writing and producing partner) and I got to work, we found ourselves in heated/often hilarious debates about how to pull this off. Pretty soon we realized that letting the audience see what goes on behind the scenes could be some ridiculous fun. So it’s still a burlesque show, but it’s gotten very meta-theatrical and silly, and the story arc comes from our actual artistic relationship — with fantastic actors we know and love playing us, and acting out some of our worst “burlesque” ideas, next to actual burlesque performers doing awesome sexy/creative things.

2. Here’s a scenario: After the show some audience members go have a drink. What’s the part of the show you hope they’re discussing?
Alexis:  I hope they’re discussing their last minute donations to our Edinburgh Indiegogo campaign!
(http://www.indiegogo.com/Daughters-of-lot-at-Edinburgh) The drama of Bible Burlesque really does come from how difficult it is for artists to raise the funds to create their work — we tried to create a show that highlighted that plight while entertaining in its own right. I hope they also leave quoting lines and moments to each other and laughing a lot.

3. What drives your show – character, theme or plot?
 Alexis: Much of the action is an attempt to find something brilliant that fits the theme — a fantastic Biblical Burlesque act — but it’s also about the competing artistic visions of two characters, and those differences of worldview are what really drive the comedy.

4. What’s the one thing someone said about the show so far that made you the most proud?
Alexis: At our first table read, one of the actresses stopped and said: “How is this so much fun???” I hope the audience has the same feeling.

 5. Let’s fantasize for a moment. Let’s take the “off-off” off. Imagine this show is on Broadway. What would that change about the production itself?
Alexis:  It would just get way bigger. And longer, of course. We’d have awesomely expensive costumes and ridiculous lighting. Which would be tons of fun to play with. But at it’s core, it wouldn’t change.

6. Taking that one step further – after paying everyone what they’re worth of course, what is the most lavish, luxurious, frivolous thing you would spend money on if there was no constraints? (Think of the helicopter in Miss Saigon).
Alexis: Hmm… a giant Bible for people to walk out of… Rigging to allow the actors to descend from the “sky”… Yeah. LOTS of flying. Stripping in mid-air would be cool.

7. Is there a scene, a moment, anything that gets a completely different reaction depending on the audience that night?
Alexis: We haven’t actually performed this show before an audience yet, but I anticipate the “Cain & Abel” bit will have some mixed reactions… And personally, those are my favorite theatrical moments — when humor crosses a line into possible discomfort and half the audience goes there and the other half balks at them for going there.

8. What’s your favorite line from the show?
Alexis:  “And then the Virgin Mary is like, ‘Gee Mary Magdalene, I really like you a lot, but I think we should just be friends. I’m just so damaged from my son being crucified that now is a really bad time for me to become close to someone.’”

9. Is the world of this play sustainable outside a theatre? In other words … do you think people live the way the characters do? Would you want a world where they do?
Alexis:  In one sense, the main characters are based on my producing partner and I, and are actually pretty representative of reality — but to get sappy for a minute, I think the world of the play is one in which people really take art seriously and are trying to find ways to both create and honor it. That’s real in our lives, but it’s also something the world could use more of. I suppose the world could use more of people taking their clothes off while pretending to be Biblical characters, too.

10. You scan the audience and you see a face that stops you dead in your tracks – who is it? And why are you shocked?
Alexis:  I just imagined Jesus in the audience, giving me a thumbs up. I don’t think I really need to explain the shock — I didn’t think he’d be back for at least another 1000 years.

11. Time for Elevenses! Go to the mini-fridge of your fantasy hotel. What’s your dream 11:00am snack?
Alexis:  Mmm cold pizza. Is that too mundane? Should this tie in with the show? Is it weird to say communion wafers? Cold mini-communion wafer pizzas… Matzo crackers?

Thanks, Alexis, for having your Elevenses with us here at THM!  We can’t wait to see Bible Burlesque!

If you’d like to catch Bible Burlesque at The Mini-Fridge Festival find out more by clicking this link.

~~~

HORSE TRADE THEATER GROUP IN ASSOCIATION WITH FRIGID NEW YORK PRESENT THE 2012 MINI-FRIDGE

JUNE 28 – JULY 4 @ UNDER ST. MARKS The mini-festival will play at UNDER St. Marks (94 St. Marks Place between 1st Avenue and Avenue A) June 28-July 4. Tickets ($15/$12 students & seniors) are available online  or by calling 212-868-4444. 

Related Posts:

• Grab A Snack From The Mini-Fridge
• 2nd Season Mini Fridge – Tasty, Filling And Leaving Audience Wanting More! (Jun 28, 2012 – Jul 04, 2012 )
• It’s Time For Mini-Fridge Elevenses With Kill The Band – Mock Bottom Mockumental CD Release Experience!
• It’s Time For Mini-Fridge Elevenses With Lord Gregory & Mademoiselle Godin’s miniXMAS Spectacular!
• Daughters Of Lot – A Lot Going On (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

Five Questions. Five Answers. And One Big Decision: Rock, Paper, Or Scissors?

Scratch & Pitz Burlesque and Variety Hour

Company: Heroics in Hotpants
Directed by: Cyndi Freeman and Brad Lawrence

Cherry Pitz (Cyndi Freeman) and Scratch (Brad Lawrence) present a burlesque melodrama & variety show. Cherry wants to do a duet act like Sonny & Cher, Burns & Allen, or Captain & Tennille! In exchange Scratch wants Cherry’s soul.

Show Times:

• Thu 2/23 @ 10:30pm
• Sun 2/26 @ 7:00pm
• Wed 2/29 @ 10:30pm
• Fri 3/2 @ 4:00pm
• Sat 3/3 @ 8:30pm
• Sun 3/4 @ 2:30pm

Answers by Cyndi Freeman

(Writer/Performer/Director/Producer)

Karen Tortora-Lee’s Question
That’s some title. How did you come up with it – and what does it mean?
Cyndi: The Scratch & Pitz Burlesque and Variety Hour is a show about how the Devll “Scratch” offers Cherry Pitz her wildest dream in exchange for her soul. Cherry’s dream is to have a Variety show Like Sonny and Cher, Captain & Tennille. And this is the show!

Diánna Martin’s Question
If you were going to invite five people, anyone from past and present, to see your FRIGID show – who would you invite and why?
Cyndi:
Sonny and Chery – Because they inspired this.
Captain & Tennille – Also Because they inspired this.
Cherry’s father Harry Pitz – It was his dream in the first place.
The Krofft Brothers – who shaped me in ways therapy will never correct.
Bea Aurthur – Because I sing part of her song from the Star Wars Holiday Special…and no one but me knows all the words.

Antonio Minino’s Question
What is the biggest sacrifice you’ve ever made for your Art and was it worth it?
Cyndi: I slept without a real bed for 5 years because whenever I had enough money to buy one I would put it to art projects instead. Was it worth it? Sure! Luckily I married my co-producer Brad Lawrence … he had a bed so its a moot point.

Geoffrey Paddy Johnson’s Question
Was there any unexpected discovery made during the development of this production and, if so, can you share it?

Cyndi: Its really easy to convince Peter Aguero to get naked on stage….but we were not that surprised.

Michelle Augello-Page’s Question
What do you hope the audience receives from the experience of seeing this show?

Cyndi: Permanent psychological scars.

SO CLEVER Cyndi!  I have no idea what Stripper Lesbians will throw but if you wind up winning you certainly soften the blow by tucking dollar bills into their g-strings.  Of course I’m sure the stripper lesbians wouldn’t have it any other way.

You were challenged by Love in the Time of Chlamydia who threw ROCK and that gives you a WIN!  So, a WIN and a wait-and-see … how’s THAT for variety?

Thanks Scratch & Pitz Burlesque And Variety Hour for participating in The Happiest Medium’s FRIGID New York Festival 2012 Q&A. And for playing our game! You’re officially PAPER in any and all challenges. You may win again, you may not – who knows! This is how it works in the crazy world of the Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH!

For the rest of you don’t forget to check out Scratch & Pitz Burlesque And Variety Hour!

~~~

Related Posts:

• Scratch & Pitz Burlesque and Variety Hour – Seven Act Scratch (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• LOL: The End. : 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Aerial Allusions: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Musical Pawns: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• The Traveling Musicians: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

Temperatures were rising last night at the first evening of the two part celebration for Doc Wasabassco’s 7th Anniversary Extravaganza. The blazing hot belles were ravishing, revealing and  resplendant as they strutted, sauntered and slowly stripped their way across the stage of The Bell House last night.

But that was only part of it.

As promised the place was crammed with every type of seductive, suggestive, steamy, spicy, slinky thing you could imagine. Lady Scoutington warmed up the crowd on the main stage with some get up and go-go dancing while out in front Peekaboo Pointe was Pole Dancing and doing things I’d only heard of whispered about in certain circles. She was mesmerizing to say the least.

Side tables were selling wares that would make any fan of burlesque giddy with excitement – gorgeous stockings from PEEK were avaliable as well as pasties handmade by Nasty Canasta herself!!  Undoubtedly I had to get myself a pair – for research purposes of course!  In homage to Ms. Canasta I got a pair of Vegas inspired pasties replete with poker chips, cards and sparkly stones.  I can’t wait to … ahem …  I mean … wow.  Those sure will look nice on my … display shelf.

Speaking of pasties once the main show got started there was no shortage of them.  After a wonderful welcome from the man of the hour himself, Doc Wasabassco, and a full-on intro by Bastard Keith (who warmed up the crowd with amusing tales and a soulful rendition of Otis Redding’s “Try A Little Tenderness” that was absolutely awe-inspiring) things got right down to business.

Hazel Honeysuckle started off the festivities with a fantastic number that featured a gorgeous blue ensemble that came off slowly to a lounge version (which was almost unrecognaizalbe until the chorus) of Ice, Ice Baby.

Following her was Magdelena Fox who didn’t disappoint as she disrobed her exotic feathered costume and shook fans that flew through the air and appeared to set her ablaze, so quickly did the red and yellow material stream and blur.

Bird of Paradise used elaborate props to re-create a Flashdance flashback, starting off dressed as mechanic and ending up as a dripping wet 80s dancer.  What a feeling!

Precious Little proved she had a Precious Lot … bedecked in white feathered finery, she unbuckled her corset and spun a hoop of white plumes around to roars of approval.

Medianoche then came out and did her typical mezmerizing, teasing absolutely alluring dance complete with huge red fans and twinkling eyes.  She had the audience spellbound.

Then it was time for the PEEK stocking fashion show featuring Hazel Honeysuckle, Bettina May, Tansy, Nasty Canasta and Medianoche before the crowd took a break.

At this point, knowing I was going back again tonight, I decided to call it an evening so that I would be ready to greet the new wave of Burlesque that I knew would knock my socks off again. (But just my socks, kiddies).

Tickets are still available for what I KNOW will be another amazing night, and there’s plenty of room in The Bell House to enjoy the show. So come down early, watch the lovely ladies, buy some items, and enjoy some of the best entertainment Burlesque has to offer as you help the Wasabassco group celebrate seven terrific and successful years!

~~~

Wasabassco Burlesque’s 7th Anniversary Extravaganza will be hosted by Doc Wasabassco, Bastard Keith, GiGi La Femme, Nasty Canasta, Sapphire Jones, and Stormy Leather.

Doors will open at 9pm

With performances by: Albert Cadabra, Amanda Whip, Amber Ray, Bastard Keith, Bettina May, Bird of Paradise, BooBess, Broadway Brassy, Bryan Barletta, Emmy Dubois, Evelyn Vinyl, Gal Friday, GiGi La Femme, Go-Go Harder, Grace Gotham, Hard Corey, Harvest Moon, Hazel Honeysuckle, Jenny C’Est Quoi, Kita St. Cyr, Kobayashi Maru, Lady Scoutington, Lauren Liberman, Madame Rosebud, Magdalena Fox, Mala Morrigan, Marlo Marquise, Medianoche, Hula Hoop Harl*t Melissa-Anne, Michelle L’amour, Ms Tickle, Nasty Canasta, Nelson Lugo, Nikki Le Villain, Peekaboo Pointe, Pixie Love, Precious Little, Sapphire Jones, Stormy Leather, Tansy, The Outer Borough Brass Band, Victoria Privates, and Vikki Likkerish.

Tickets $25 are available by clicking  SATURDAY

or by calling TicketWeb at 1-866-777-8932

The Bell House

149 7th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Aves)

Brooklyn, NY 11215

Related Posts:

• Wasabassco Burlesque – Celebrating Seven Years And Still Going Strong
• Burlesque Blitz – The Strip Down Before The Count Down
• Revealed Burlesque Lives Up To Its Promising Name
• Women’s History Month: Celebrating Women In The Arts – Spotlight On GiGi La Femme
• Friends Of Dorothy – An Oz Cabaret (Fringe Festival 2010)

If you’re any kind of regular reader of THM then you know that around here we sure love Burlesque.  Lucky us!  Living in New York City as we do, there is no shortage of fantastic Burlesque performers who constantly and consistently have us hooting and hollering and calling out for more.

Doc Wasabassco by Leland Bobbe

If you, too, are a lover of Burlesque then the name Doc Wasabassco is not new to you.  You’ve no doubt seen the Wasabassco name plastered across any number of posters, or perhaps have seen the man himself as he introduces one of his amazing shows.

This weekend marks the Seventh Anniversary of Wasabassco Burlesque. To celebrate, Friday, November 4th and Saturday, November 5th Brooklyn-based Wasabassco Burlesque will present over 40 of Wasabassco’s favorite performers, with over six hours of risqué entertainment guaranteed to blow the roof off The Bell House in Brooklyn.

Among other things there will be a stocking fashion show, a pole dance show-within-a-show, performances by the Outer Borough Brass Band along with striptease, hula hooping, fire eating and more.

Doc Wasabassco took some time to answer a few of my questions before I head out to the big event which begins tomorrow.

You’re living every man’s dream, surrounded by beautiful women who are masters at charming, beguiling and seducing. What part of your job is actually just like any other and what part of your job defies expectations?

Doc Wasabassco: Haha, Well the part that ends up being just like any other is probably the office logistics. For every two hour show there are days of answering emails, dealing with paperwork, filling out spreadsheets, having meetings, making phone calls, all of the dull monotonous stuff involved in any job, but it all does pale in comparison with the stuff that defies expectations. My favorite moment is when the first number of any given show starts: when the lights go up, the music starts, the house is packed and there are suddenly smiles on the faces of the crowd, everything lights up and everyone shares in the knowledge that something amazing and sexy and fun is about to happen.

You advertise as “sexy, couple-friendly burlesque shows full of risqué fun, spicy shenanigans, and plenty of saucy striptease”. I have been to a few of your shows with my husband and I do agree … it’s great for couples. What ingredients go into making a show that appeals to everyone as opposed to one that’s just for the guys?

DW: The art behind Wasabassco is created by each performer, and most of those performers are women; female performers using their sexuality in whatever way they choose to entertain, to tease or inspire but always to tell some kind of story. Male and female audience members respond to that before anything else and then the sexuality is presented from a place of respect. There’s so much more to a burlesque number than just showing tits and ass (though there’s plenty of that too).

You’re about to celebrate your seventh year of Wasabassco Burlesque with a huge Extravaganza. As a showman producer of Burlesque and Nightlife Events, what’s at the heart of a terrific night of burlesque?

DW: Variety. I don’t even mean variety acts like magic and sword swallowing though that’s always a welcome addition as well. I mean variety in types of performers and style. A good burlesque show has classic numbers as well as modern ones. Sensual numbers, comedic numbers, performers with different backgrounds, body types, different talents and character. There are so many amazing talented people in burlesque, if you put the right ones in the right combination you get that terrific night.

What are some things about the business that have gotten easier since you’ve started … and what’s remains the biggest challenge?

DW: Putting together a great show has gotten easier. After 7 years we know what works and what doesn’t, what audiences will like and what they won’t, and we know how to spot something new and exciting so that we keep growing and never stagnate. The biggest challenge remains working on other people’s turf. We have fantastic relationships with some of the best venues around, but it’s always a challenge to work in someone else’s space. The goal is eventually for Wasabassco to have it’s own Burlesque House.

The women (and men!) you work with come from a variety of backgrounds, they all have different performance styles and on-stage personalities. But there must be a common quality that makes you say to yourself ”That’s the type of performer I want to be part of the Wasabassco family”. Can you put that quality into words?

DW: They need to be amazing. It’s that simple. One performer can be dark and mysterious and another light and fanciful. So long as they’re both great at what they do I want them in my show. I never want to limit Wasabassco to one style or type, but I don’t have any room for mediocrity.

The Wasabassco Hellfire Club is billed as “The Dirty and Dark Side of Wasabassco”. There are Keys to get in that cost 40 dollars. It all seems a little “Eyes Wide Shut” … but much better of course. What makes Hellfire Club different than the other shows?

DW: Ha Ha, yes, much better than “Eyes Wide Shut”. Less boring for one thing, and fewer Scientologists. As we’ve discussed, Wasabassco is always couple friendly, it’s just that some couples enjoy being a little freakier than others. That’s who the Wasabasco Hellfire Club is for. My co-producers for Hellfire Club are Stormy Leather and Nasty Canasta. Stormy’s the dirtiest girl I know and Nasty’s incredibly sexy and brilliant. We get to cross a line with this show that we wouldn’t usually with other Wasabassco shows because Stormy and Nasty are leading the way, and I trust them implicitly. The Wasbassco show is designed to turn you on, brain first.

You’ve had seven great years, with more ahead. What’s the most innovative thing you can imagine doing in Burlesque over the next few years?

DW: Opening our own club, a dedicated venue with a beautiful stage, plenty of seating, and the ability to host all kinds of performance, from aerial artists to fire performers, with plenty of ample storage for giant props and elaborate numbers.

Doc, I can’t wait to see it!  I know if it has your name on it then it will be something special.

_______________

But in the meantime, I’m going to be at The Bell House to help the Wasabassco gang celebrate their wonderful success – seven years of being the hottest, best Burlesque Show On Earth!  See you there!!

~~~

Wasabassco Burlesque’s 7th Anniversary Extravaganza will be hosted by Doc Wasabassco, Bastard Keith, GiGi La Femme, Nasty Canasta, Sapphire Jones, and Stormy Leather.

Doors will open at 9pm

With performances by: Albert Cadabra, Amanda Whip, Amber Ray, Bastard Keith, Bettina May, Bird of Paradise, BooBess, Broadway Brassy, Bryan Barletta, Emmy Dubois, Evelyn Vinyl, Gal Friday, GiGi La Femme, Go-Go Harder, Grace Gotham, Hard Corey, Harvest Moon, Hazel Honeysuckle, Jenny C’Est Quoi, Kita St. Cyr, Kobayashi Maru, Lady Scoutington, Lauren Liberman, Madame Rosebud, Magdalena Fox, Mala Morrigan, Marlo Marquise, Medianoche, Hula Hoop Harl*t Melissa-Anne, Michelle L’amour, Ms Tickle, Nasty Canasta, Nelson Lugo, Nikki Le Villain, Peekaboo Pointe, Pixie Love, Precious Little, Sapphire Jones, Stormy Leather, Tansy, The Outer Borough Brass Band, Victoria Privates, and Vikki Likkerish.

Tickets ($25each night/ $40 for both nights) are available  by clicking FRIDAY or SATURDAY

or by calling TicketWeb at 1-866-777-8932

The Bell House

149 7th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Aves)

Brooklyn, NY 11215

Related Posts:

• Wasabassco Extravaganza: Better Than Promised … Night One
• Burlesque Blitz – The Strip Down Before The Count Down
• Revealed Burlesque Lives Up To Its Promising Name
• Women’s History Month: Celebrating Women In The Arts – Spotlight On GiGi La Femme
• Friends Of Dorothy – An Oz Cabaret (Fringe Festival 2010)

I like nothing better than being naughty at the Opera.  Neophytes might consider this akin to making out in the last pew of church but, actually, it’s not.  I mean, really.  Generally, no matter which opera you’re attending there’s all this drama unfolding in front of you … all this intense emotion, this deep passion, this hear break, this “I WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN” melodrama.  How could it not inspire you to get a little frisky during intermission?

Well, okay, usually it’s kinda impossible to get frisky, but a gal can dream.  But wait – hold the phone.  What’s this? Morningside Opera is actually encouraging frisky behavior with their latest opera, The Judgment of Paris. Just look at that poster!  It’s hotter than a Russ Meyer film.   I, of course, will be there.   Let’s not forget these are the folks who supplied the fabulous burlesque performer Medianoche to do a strip tease during their Diva Search Karaoke – so you know they’re serious when it comes to sizzle. I chatted with Amber Youell who is a performing in  Judgment of Paris, while also serving on Moringside Opera’s board of directors.  Listen as she tells me how they intend to push the boundaries and seduce their audience loud and clear.

Morningside Opera definitely stretches the boundaries of what people typically think of as Opera – in a good way! Tell me a little bit about this latest production and what audiences can expect.

Amber Youell

We’ve done a couple things to play with the genre in this production. The origin of this opera is a musical contest: four composers (John Eccles, John Weldon, Daniel Purcell, and Godfrey Finger) were to set a libretto by William Congreve. Weldon’s won the original contest, though Eccles won in a restaging in the 1990s. In our version, we’ve mixed and matched our favorite numbers from the various settings. However, our staging is where we really push the boundaries. First, we’re performing in a very intimate pub location (Jimmy’s No. 43)–we encourage the audience to eat and drink heartily through the performance! Second, we’ve refigured this beauty pageant between the three goddess as a strip-show, with a couple of other surprises thrown in.

You play Juno. Tell me about a favorite moment in the production for you involving your character.
I love playing Juno because, like her, I’m a mom and I have a pretty bad temper. Although I’ve played Juno before, in this production I get to reveal her really bad-ass side. My favorite part is when I get to unleash this on Paris (who is played by my real-life partner) during a very surprising, edgy, minor-key aria.

Opera plots, traditionally, have always been rife with sex — but to the outsider opera is considered stuffy and uptight. It looks like Morningside is working to get the casual audience member to understand something that’s always existed in the medium. Is that true?
Opera is always a sensual art-form, but The Judgment of Paris almost begs for raunchy retelling. At a pivotal point Paris sings “When each is undress’d, I’ll judge of the best, for ’tis not a face that will carry the prize.” Of course the original singers wouldn’t have literally unrobed, but their subsequent arias are an aural translation of the visual seduction of striptease–whether through florid melismas, delicately seductive melodies, or bombastic fanfares. Centuries of theorists have discussed opera’s “seduction of the ear.” You’re absolutely right in that we’re trying to get this message across loud and clear. I think this production would be a great intro to the world of opera because of its short length (45 minutes), casual setting, and hilarious staging.

Give me one word that does NOT describe The Judgement of Paris.
CAN’T THINK OF ONE, YOU PICK! appropriate uptight reverent.

You know, I like all three of those words – so I don’t want to pick either!  Thanks, Amber, for giving us a little taste of what’s to come on August 3oth.

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Ages 18 and up.

Tickets $12 in advance/$15 at the door

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Related Posts:

• Stabat Mater Fabulosa, Morningside Opera Productions
• Mahmoud – Selected As A Fringe Encore (Fringe Festival 2012)
• Women’s History Month GRAND FINALE: Celebrating Women In The Arts – It Ain’t Over Till The Phat Ladies Sing
• Women’s History Month: Celebrating Women In The Arts – Spotlight On Brett Umlauf
• Morningside Opera Will Present World Premiere Of Atra, Ossia, L’Amore Ricordato

These women of the arts hail from different disciplines, but they all have an indomitable spirit and a luminescent spark that makes them amazing human beings who are out there every day, doing amazing work.

Today we continue our series with GiGi La Femme.  The first time I saw Ms. La Femme it was December during the Burlesque Blitz and she was completely naked.  I then watched, mesmerized, as she did the most seductive reverse strip tease I’d ever seen in my life.  After Blitzing my way through the Burlesque offerings I though I understood what it meant to sit and watch a gal take her clothes off.  Some do it with charm.  Some do it with flair.  Some do it with lights.  Some do it with humor.  Some do it with a touch of rage.  Some do it better than others.  Some do it better than most.

But Gigi?  She does it with a breathtaking, hypnotic vamp that’s covered in a type of voodoo that has been living in the veins of women like her since the dawn of time.  Women with names like Delilah, Jezebel, Aphrodite, and Cleopatra.She is a temptress whose power reaches like a vapor right out to each member of the audience and tickles them under the chin before, winking, it slinks back around her  where it lives.

However behind all this glitter, glamour, sequins and feathers beats the heart of a businesswoman who has been able to take her show and transform it into a very successful monthly feature called Revealed Burlesque which runs at UNDER St. Marks.

I’ve been wanting to interview her for months, and this series gives me the perfect opportunity to celebrate a woman who is beautiful, smart, powerful, dynamic and amazing.  Ladies and gentlemen – I give you – Gigi La Femme.

GiGi La Femme by Luke Ratray

You produce a monthly burlesque show – tell us a little bit about it.

The show I produce is called Revealed, held the third Wednesday of the month at Under St. Marks Theatre. What really sets this show apart is the full nudity aspect which isn’t common for most burlesque shows where the dancers are usually scantily clad in g-strings and pasties. Performing in Revealed pushes acts to the limits: sure, you can be dance while being naked but having a reason to get to do so is the appealing part.

The show is hosted by the critically acclaimed Bastard Keith along with his stage kitten sidekick, Victoria Privates. Every month boasts a buffet of performances from the best in burlesque in addition to featuring a debut from a lady or gent who has yet to show their pinks, as it were.

Revealed is very special to me because it’s intimate, thought provoking and classic entertainment at its best.  

Why do yo think Burlesque is seeing such a resurgence lately?

I feel lucky enough to be from (and live in) a city that has embraced the burlesque revival since the early 1990s. From drag shows to girlie shows, burlesque was resurfacing in many different forms and NYC wasn’t the only city that latched on to the phenomenon: shows and troupes were also forming in places like Los Angeles, Seattle, Nashville and New Orleans to name a few. To be in a burlesque show is exciting in itself and that feeling translates to its audience. Comedy, accessible sexuality and glamour provides for an entertaining escape. That’s the bottom line and it’s what people want.

GiGi for Staples Street Project (Photo by Chris Zedano)

I came to your show and loved it.  It’s a lot more acceptable for a woman these days to participate in the appreciation of a show like Revealed Burlesque.  What do you attribute that to?

Thank you! I think people appreciate the lengths these performers are taking in regards to their acts whether it comes to concepts, costumes and thensome. I also make a concerted effort to include different kinds of numbers: classic, humorous, edgy, you name it. There’s room for it all when curated properly. Secondly, I think people just enjoy performing in their birthday suits! It may seem obvious, but it’s quite liberating when you can perform in the buff in a safe and comfortable environment, not to mention saving a little cash on pastie tape :)

You are very strong and empowering on stage.  I think the strip tease these days has a lot more to do with female empowerment than exploitation of any kind – especially the way it’s being done.  However, what would you say to your detractors?

Again, thank you so much. I believe first and foremost that, as a performer, you have the liberty to create anything you want when you take the stage. It’s a blank canvas and you make all the choices from the costume, to the music, to the choreography and to the concept. The choices are solely up to the performer. That being said, exploitation, for me, doesn’t even enter into the equation.

Are there barriers you fought against in the past?

There were and are plenty of barriers: personal and business related, but you’re going to come across speed bumps no matter what field you’re in. I would ultimately say that the good outweighs the bad, but I won’t lie: there have been hard times. Regardless, at the end of the day, you just have to deal with the problems and come to your own solutions. When push comes to shove, you have to do what you best, maintain a positive attitude and keep looking forward.

The men that you work with – how do they treat you?

Majority of the time, I meet many men and women who are just lovely, respectful and appreciative towards burlesque as an art form. It’s really quite wonderful. Though, there are always bad seeds out there and you just have to take each situation with a grain of salt. Because performers are *so* accessible, it leads people (not just men) to believe that they can be your best friend and be privy to your entire life story especially since many of us have an online presence. Have I had to “talk to” people or block folks from online social networking sites for being inappropriate? Sure. It’s going to happen. The important thing is to remember to stand up for yourself and not take anyone’s crap because they feel entitled to do so. At the same time, I’ve made so many wonderful friends and connections over the past six years because of burlesque and am very grateful for that.

Are there some resources you’d like to share that you find particularly helpful as a woman?

To be honest, the best resources I have are my friends and my family. When I need advice or need a laugh, I know exactly who I can go to.

What’s up next for you, Gigi?

In a few days, I’ll be going on a month long tour with Dangerous Curves Ahead, a troupe I am a part of with Anita Cookie, Clams Casino, Darlinda Just Darlinda and Minnie Tonka. I am so excited! It’s our third trip and we’ll be hitting the west coast from San Diego to British Columbia. Aside from that, I hope to be traveling more and also bringing Revealed with me! Stay tuned to www.revealedburlesque.com for more info in the coming months.

~~~

More about Gigi La Femme

Since 2005, GiGi La Femme has been named one of New York City’s sultriest striptease stars and is the producer of the monthly show Revealed Burlesque at the Under St. Mark’s Theater.

Awards include: Golden Pastie Award winner for Best Booty Shaker 2009, Perfect Posterior 2011 and Miss Coney Island 2010.

The multi-talented bump ‘n’ grinder, go-go girl, chanteuse and pin-up model has traveled the nation with the ladies of Dangerous Curves Ahead: Burlesque on the Go-Go performing her super hot signature acts in addition to teaming up with her favorite songstress and Bosom Buddy: Anita Cookie!

Check GiGi out online at:

www.gigilafemme.com
www.twitter.com/gigilafemme
www.revealedburlesque.com
www.burlesqueonthegogo.com

Catch her if you can ♥

Related Posts:

• Burlesque Blitz – The Strip Down Before The Count Down
• Revealed Burlesque Lives Up To Its Promising Name
• Wasabassco Extravaganza: Better Than Promised … Night One
• Wasabassco Burlesque – Celebrating Seven Years And Still Going Strong
• Early Risers / Night Owls … Come With Me – Help Save UNDER St. Marks

Wondering what to do with the last week of the year?  Maybe 2010 hasn’t been steamy enough for you and you need a little more sexiness before counting down to 2011?  If that sounds like your kinda heat – especially in this snowy weather, then get yourself to the  2010 BURLESQUE BLITZ!  For Four Nights Only (December 27th through the 30th) at the Kraine Theater (85 East 4th Street between 2nd Ave and Bowery) you can catch the hottest Burlesque in New York City.

I’ll be getting my fill of all things glamorous, glittery and gorgeous while being seduced by sweet sirens, beautiful boys and delicious drag queens.  Come to some or come to all – but don’t miss what promises to be the hottest week of December!

The 2010 Burlesque Blitz will run December 27-30 at 10:30pm in The Kraine Theater (85 East 4th Street between 2nd Ave and Bowery). Tickets to all shows ($15) may be purchased online at  or by calling 212-868-4444.

Monday, December 27 @ 10:30pm: Bastard Keith presents A Tale of Two Bastards: A Jewlesque Fable

” A Tale of Two Bastards is a holiday treat from the mind of MC, bon vivant and man of action, Bastard Keith. An homage to his favorite classic musicals, this tale of crime, mistaken identity and old-time burley gathers the talents of Darlinda Just Darlinda, Minnie Tonka, Madame Rosebud, Gal Friday, ace magician Matthew Holtzclaw, and Keith himself.”

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Tuesday, December 28 @ 10:30pm: Misty Meaner, Stormy Leather & Go-Go Harder present Meaner Harder Leather… Burlesque With A Twist

“In the spring of 2010, Misty Meaner and Stormy Leather’s love affair gave birth to a beautiful, baby-butt smooth boy, Go-Go Harder. Since then, this trio of sexual ambiguity has literally been taking NYC by the family jewels. Uniting Drag, Burlesque and Boylesque, MEANER HARDER LEATHER brings you one of the most exciting shows in Manhattan! With your GLAMMY NOMINATED hosts, a variety of classic and scandalous performances, and a roster of talented guest stars, it’s sure to leave your seat wet and your heart curious… Hosted by Misty Meaner, Go-Go Harder & Stormy Leather. Guest starring The Bendable Christopher Bousquet; The Shimmering Chanteuse of Burlesque, Melody Sweets; The Chocolate Queen With a Touch of Cream, Mocha Lite; The Bad Boy with a Heart of Gold, Richert Rocket, with Lacey Knickers as your stage kitten.”

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Wednesday, December 29 @ 10:30pm: The Sweet & Nasty Burlesque Mystery Hour presents The Case of “The Fallen Starlet”

“On Wednesday night, tune your radio dial to the Sweet and Nasty Burlesque Mystery Hour for heart-pounding suspense and jaw-dropping burlesque, presented live onstage. This month The Naked Detective Nasty Canasta and her helpful housegirl Sapphire Jones solve the case of “The Falling Starlet,” with the vocal and visual talents of Gal Friday, Tigger!, Victoria Privates, Miss Ruby Valentine and the sound-effects wizardry of Michael Johnson.”

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Thursday, December 30: GiGi La Femme & Doc Wasabassco present Revealed Burlesque’s Holiday Bonus

“REVEALED is a burlesque show unlike any other. It’s a seduction, a tease, an epiphany, a dare, a conspiracy of pleasure. Hosted by devilishly charming master of ceremonies Bastard Keith, each show stars pin-up queen GiGi La Femme and a rotating ensemble of the most beloved burlesque performers in New York. Fresh editions of Revealed feature new performer debuts, surprise guests from around the world and innovative performances representing the state of the art in risqué entertainment. Come out and experience an evening of salacious striptease and skin, where the climax of each number leaves everything…Revealed. This special edition showcase will feature delectable performances by: The Girl Dreams Are Made Of GiGi La Femme; The Seductive Siren, Harvest Moon; The Borg Queen of Burlesque Kobayashi Maru; The Shining Jewel Of Burlesque, Sapphire Jones; and in her Revealed debut, Cheekie Lane! Hosted by the charming and inebriated Bastard Keith and his Sensational Stage Kitten Sidekick, The Girl Who Fell To Earth, Madame Rosebud!

Related Posts:

• Wasabassco Extravaganza: Better Than Promised … Night One
• Wasabassco Burlesque – Celebrating Seven Years And Still Going Strong
• Women’s History Month: Celebrating Women In The Arts – Spotlight On GiGi La Femme
• Revealed Burlesque Lives Up To Its Promising Name
• Early Risers / Night Owls … Come With Me – Help Save UNDER St. Marks

*All photos in this article courtesy of Stevyn Llewellyn.

What do you get when you mix up a bunch of people who can sing karaoke better than the average bar crowd, background tracks that runs the gamut from Bizet’s Carmen to Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, with a smattering of Rogers and Hammerstein, Irving Berlin and Handel thrown in, and a gorgeous gal who strips down to her pasties?  Not to mention – well, actually – do you need more than that?

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This was the atmosphere last week at Royal Oak when I went to see what Morningside Opera‘s First Annual Opera Karaoke Party and Diva Search would unearth.  And let me just state for the record – it’s nights like last Thursday that make me 100% positive that I will NEVER leave New York City because if you think there are other places in this world where polished opera singers are sitting around, tossing back cocktails in between rousing choruses of Edelweiss before then cheering on a burlesque dancer – think again.  Of course, if this is not your scene, then you’re welcome to stay in Random Boring Town, Iowa and spend your evenings baking cookies with the kids before getting in your jammies at 7:00pm and settling in to watch PG rated “comedies” starring Ben Someone.  Just means more stripteases for me.

But I’ll be honest, while charming Medianoche was everything a burlesque dancer should be – alluring, inviting, smoldering and tempting, it was the actual opera karaoke that thrilled me the most. For the first time ever this beautiful music that I’ve loved since I was a child was taken down from the austere setting of the Metropolitan Opera House and placed snugly in a corner bar in Brooklyn where it became approachable, intimate, and much more enjoyable than promised.  To see people in their street clothes take one last swig of beer, rise from a corner booth and then allow their voice to effortlessly trill, leap and divinely swell through passages of amazing beauty was not only fabulous but kinda fish-outta-water fun.

While I definitely had my favorites among the performers everyone really held their own, and when an impromptu group singalong was suggested I felt like I was back in the Duplex.  With opera singers!  I hadn’t been this well backed up (read – drowned out) since attending The annual Messiah Sing-In (in which the audience is the chorus for Handel’s Messiah) at Avery Fisher Hall.

There may (and should) be more of these – so check back to hear when you can catch the next one.  Because if I have anything to say about it- in a few months, all of New York will be doing this wherever there’s a microphone, a karaoke track, and the scrolling words to Nessun Dorma.   And just in case you’d like to get a jump start . . .

Related Posts:

• Have You Dreamed Of Being A DIVA? Here’s Your Shot!
• Women’s History Month: Celebrating Women In The Arts – Spotlight On Brett Umlauf
• Stabat Mater Fabulosa, Morningside Opera Productions
• Wasabassco Extravaganza: Better Than Promised … Night One
• Wasabassco Burlesque – Celebrating Seven Years And Still Going Strong