NANDA’s “The Jacket” Opens at Broadway Performance Hall

•10/06/2011 • 2 Comments

– Written by Madeline Rider (Contributor, Seattle)

Thursday, October 6th, the Port Townsend “four man acrobaticalist performing arts troupe” NANDA brings their full length narrative The Jacket, a combination of acrobatics, martial arts, and dance theater, to Capital Hill’s Broadway Performance Hall. Winners of the 2009 Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend’s award for Best Troupe, NANDA provides a unique entertainment experience littered with elements of traditional burlesque humor, including pop references, slaptstick comedy, and circus arts.

In an interesting addition to the opening night festivities, SeattleBikeBlog.com reports that a group of traveling ninjas will be bicycling from Port Townsend to Capitol Hill in order to bring exposure to their hometown’s Seattle opening. If you are interested in joining them as they arrive in the city, screw on your fenders and meet Friday, October 7th at 6:05pm at the Seattle Ferry Terminal. You can also follow them on Twitter at @ptrecyclery for updates.

The Jacket will be showing every Thursday, Friday and Saturday through October 23rd. Purchase tickets online at www.thejacketshow.com

The Jacket teaser trailer:

Posted in Written by Madeline
Tags:

It’s a burlesque bonanza!

•10/04/2011 • 2 Comments

Lost In Space runs Oct 6-8 at The Triple Door (Photo by Greg Holloway)

Last year The Atomic Bombshells presented an ambitious all new production, Lost In Space– definitely the most over the top show up to that point in Bombshell history in terms of scope, cast size, fantastical costumes, and sets. Never ones to sit back and rest on their adorable laurels, the Bombshells have dreamed even bigger for the upcoming three night encore run of Lost In Space (October 6-8 at The Triple Door). There will be just a few little additions and surprises, says performer and Artistic Director Kitten LaRue:

First of all, the show will be Co-hosted by Captain Jasper McCann with “First Mate” Lieutenant Lou Henry Hoover (they make an adorable and hilarious pair), and Lou will also be dancing in the show as our first EVER Atomic BOYshell! Also, this year the “Meteor Shower” chorus is a super sexy all-male group of Meteor Men, featuring some of the best dancers in the modern dance world: Gerard Delacroix, Sean Tomerlin, Markeith Wiley, Eric Pitsenberger, and Paris and Trojan Original. Last but not least, we have the Lost In Space debut of our new Bombshell Inga Ingénue, so everyone will just have to come to the show and be surprised by which act she does! The show also features special guests Ben DeLaCreme (who’s expanded his “Bug Girl” act to something AMAZING!), Waxie Moon, and The Aerialistas.

Incidentally, Kitten LaRue spent a large part of her summer in her beloved city of New Orleans, where she performed with Bella Blue and the New Orleans School of Burlesque. Kitten and Lou Henry Hoover created and taught a workshop called “Burlesque Goes POP!” incorporating burlesque basics with pop choreography. They also performed together at several of the annual Southern Decadence events (aka the festival lovingly referred to as “the gay Mardi Gras”). While in New Orleans, the burlesque and dance duo also created and starred in “Drag Me With a Spoon!” at One Eyed Jack’s (formerly Louis Prima’s club).

But for the moment, you can find Kitten back home in Seattle with her first love, The Atomic Bombshells. Get tickets and info on Lost In Space HERE (with a special “preview” price on Thursday evening, and on Friday, French Royal cocktails from 6:30 on to benefit BurlyCon).

Here’s a final sneak peek at last year’s show courtesy of photographer Greg Holloway (please check out the rest of his beautiful performer photos in the galleries at www.greghollowayphotography.com):

Atomic Bombshell Ivy St. Spectre is WAY foxier than Daft Punk. (Photo by Greg Holloway)

***********************************************************************************************************************

Also opening this weekend- making it possible for Seattle to catch not one but TWO pillars of Seattle burlesque and dance in action- Heavenly Spies Betty Burlesque kicks off a two month run this Friday at Can Can. The “death-defying high kicks and gravity-defying hair” of these unstoppable ladies are back with another show sure to sell out week after week like previous productions Mata Hari and XOXOX! (I say “unstoppable” because if you haven’t seen a Spies show yet, it really is one intensely athletic dance routine after another).

In communicating with me via her mysterious pink rotary phone, Agent Rhinestone confessed that she actually taught the evening length show’s choreography to her fellow Spies while about to give birth to her beautiful baby boy. “Shimmies are not the same when you’re a week overdue,” she told me.

Though Agent Rhinestone will be minding her girls from the sidelines for now, the line up for Betty will be:

Coco Capone
Kimberly Galore
Caela Bailey
Violet Hour
With newest addition, BeBe Danger and a different guest artist every week (such as Benihana of the Castaways and The Luminous Pariah).

Heavenly Spies are back- Fridays thru Nov 25 at Can Can. (Photos by Fiona Pepe)

More details:

The Heavenly Spies present: Betty Burlesque

All aboard the Betty Burlesque gyration station with choreography by Fae Phalen.

Dates & Times: Friday Nights @ 10:30PM (October 7, 14, 21, 28 + November 4, 11, 18, 25)

Tickets: www.thecancan.com

Also visit Heavenly Spies on Facebook or their link on the sidebar, at right.

***********************************************************************************************************************

Speaking of Heavenly Spies, let’s not forget Coco Capone’s cameo earlier this year on the cover of The Stranger announcing HUMP Film Fest submissions:

Do you need to be reminded that tickets to the local naughty short film fest are on sale RIGHT NOW? Go HERE to get yours, you won’t regret it.

Coco Capone with Faggedy Randy, Stranger cover announcing Hump 2011

Posted in Written by Jessica
Tags: , , , , , ,

Real Housewives, and the real men and women of strip.

•09/29/2011 • Leave a Comment

Real Housewives, disrobing for your pleasure.

This Friday’s Academy of Burlesque Alumni Show features a promising lineup of performers both experienced and more recently hatched. The cherry on the proverbial cake will be Miss(ter) Waxie Moon. Seattle’s beloved Waxie is also an instructor at the Academy; I can tell you from having been a guest at one of his recent six week courses, not only is he a stellar performer, but a thoughtful and generous teacher. He is attentive and has the rare gift of sharing from his dance and stage background, while never overshadowing those who choose to take a very personal class (in minimal clothing). I have no doubt Waxie will make a glorious housewife. Performing gender is what you make it.

For the full lineup, details, and tickets to the Real Housewives Alumni show, click HERE

Promo image for Waxie Moon: a film by Wes Hurley, photo by POC

Some other juicy information I gleaned from Waxie during the last Boylesque session at the Academy was a peek at some prototypical boylesque history. He generously shared rare footage of the Peter Adonis Traveling Fantasy Show from 1981 (referred to in a 1981 newspaper clipping as a “nationally famous male burlesque show”), as well as an early Chippendales special A Musical With Muscle. One might not like to think that burlesque/boylesque has any resemblance to early Chippendales, but when you pay attention, the moves are familiar.

While we’re on the subject of gender roles, I’ve just finished reading the spectacular anthology Working Sex: Sex Workers Write about a Changing Industry, edited by Annie Oakley (activist, artist, curator, and ten-year sex industry veteran). The collection shines a light into the often dimly lit corners of a varied universe- from porn stars to strippers to phone sex workers pretending to be sorority girls. All the uneasy nuances and interesting stories are divulged by the men and women behind the work. One of my favorites was a short rumination by writer, filmmaker, and “international pornographer” Bruce LaBruce on how pop culture became so smutty.

Check out the book HERE.

Thanks giant book company, for the cover shot.

Posted in Written by Jessica
Tags: , , , , ,

POC Photo’s New Orleans Burlesque Festival experience; plus an interview with NOBF Queen Ginger Valentine.

•09/26/2011 • Leave a Comment

Ginger Valentine's winning performance at New Orleans Burlesque Festival 2011 (POC Photo)

-Written and photographed by Paul O’Connell of POC Photo (Contributor, Seattle)

For the second year in a row a Texas girl has won Queen of Burlesque at The New Orleans Burlesque Festival. Ginger Valentine of Dallas took the honors with an incredibly sultry, provocative number. LouLou D’Vil of Finland and Lola Van Ella from St. Louis took 1st and 2nd Runner Up respectively. Produced by Rick Delaup (creator of the history-rich Eccentric New Orleans and creator/producer of 1950s style Bustout Burlesque), the New Orleans Burlesque Festival is now in its third year.

There were 5 shows (including of course, The Queen of Burlesque show) spread out over 3 nights, and there were spectacular acts throughout. I took about 2,500 photos so you know I’ll be hunched over my computer the next couple of weeks. Aside from the actual winners of Queen of Burlesque, standouts were the performances by two former Queens of Burlesque. Perle Noire, the Queen of Burlesque for the festival’s 1st year, opened the show with an incredible number (and a costume designed by Portland’s Charlotte Treuse); Coco Lectric, last year’s Queen, spent the last minutes of her title tearing up the stage to “When The Saints Go Marching In”.

Coco Lectric, NOBF 2010's Queen of Burlesque (POC Photo)

Perle Noire, NOBF’s very first Queen, in a costume made by Charlotte Treuse (POC Photo)

Portland's Charlotte Treuse at NOBF 2011 (POC Photo)

The New Orleans Burlesque Festival and other shows like it (BHoF, Viva Las Vegas, etc) are the culmination of months of hard work by all participants. At the end of the Queen of Burlesque show when Ginger received her crown, I couldn’t help but think of the burlesque performers all across the country- and the world- working hard at this art form. Thousands of women and men are practicing, costuming and teaching right now. They’re putting on weekly shows, sometimes in small bars and clubs and sometimes in bigger venues. They’re in Portland and Austin. Seattle and St. Louis. New York and Chicago. Dallas and Vancouver. And they’re all ready to take their clothes off for you.

Catherine D'lish (POC Photo)

Angi Bee-Lovely, from Dallas, at NOBF (POC Photo)

Like other festivals, it’s an opportunity to meet people you previously only knew online and hang out with friends you met the last time around. Spending an afternoon with Charlotte Treuse, Lydia DeCarllo and Vincent Drambuie at Harrah’s famous All-You-Can-Eat Buffet (several trips were made to the food trough) and lounging at the pool was a pretty great way to spend the day. On Sunday night after the festival a bunch of us went to see Kitten on the Keys and Armitage Shanks open for Eliza Rickman (an excellent musician you should see) in a small New Orleans club. Charlotte Treuse, LouLou D’Vil, Bettina May, Tiffany Carter, Madame MacKay, David Equality Bishop, myself, and some others went there also to celebrate the birthday of awesome New Orleans photographer Kaylin Idora. That was truly a fun night.

Seattle's Armitage Shanks (POC Photo)

Vancouver's Lydia DeCarllo (POC Photo)

Seattle's Sydni Deveraux (POC Photo)

Seattle's Iva Handfull (POC Photo)

LA's Lucky Deluxe (POC Photo)

LA's Stephanie Blake (POC Photo)

And while we’re talking photographers I’d like to acknowledge Derek Jackson, Andreas Koch and birthday girl, Kaylin Idora . They’re wonderful photographers and it was a pleasure shooting with them throughout the festival. Please search for their work on Facebook and online.

I’m grateful to be part of the Burlesque community.

***********************************************************************************************************************

After the festival, newly crowned New Orleans Queen of Burlesque Ginger Valentine took some time to discuss her new title and her passion for burlesque with me:

POC: Can you give a brief description of your origins in Burlesque?

Ginger: I danced with a local burlesque-inspired dance troupe before becoming a soloist in 2008. At the time, I was working as a freelance writer, so my schedule was pretty flexible which allowed me to pursue burlesque as much as I wanted. Later, I began producing Ruby Revue shows and the Dallas Burlesque Festival with my business partner, Missy Lisa. I’m grateful that my hard work has paid off because the work I do now is much more gratifying than the commercial writing I did before!

What influenced your decision to get involved?

Like many other burlesque performers, I have always held a fascination with old Hollywood musicals, glamour and all the mid-century sex symbols. I also have an extensive background in performing arts, mostly dance and ballet. So I look back and see how a lot of my interests from adolescence and even childhood caused me to keep making choices that brought me closer to burlesque and striptease.

What keeps it fascinating for you now?

I feel really blessed to have been able to scratch out a living through my performances, productions and from teaching dance classes. I’m a business owner with the studio [Ruby Room] and production company [Ruby Revue] so I would say that my fascination is borderline obsession. For me, there is no work-life separation, but I don’t mind it one bit. Also, annual trips to Burlesque Hall of Fame and festivals around the country to see all the dynamic performers out there is all I need to keep me inspired.

How is Burlesque doing in Dallas? What has helped it’s progress there?

The Dallas/Fort Worth burlesque scene is huge! Lots of enthusiastic performers and ambitious producers have created a very active scene. Beyond Dallas, there’s also burlesque in Houston, Austin and Corpus Christi to name a few.

Now that a few days have passed, what are your thoughts of being crowned Queen of the New Orleans Burlesque Festival?

I’m really honored with this recent distinction and I’m still trying to process it. I know that the title means that I had one exceptional performance, but now is not the time to kick back and relax. I know that there’s a lot of exciting new adventures out there waiting for me, but I also know that there is a lot of work to do. One of my favorite nerdy zen sayings has been helpful: “Before enlightenment, chop wood and carry water; after enlightenment, chop wood and carry water.” That has been in my mind more than anything, so I’m ready to get back to the grind, put my nose down and work. I’m very excited for the future!

What are some of your future plans?

I perform twice monthly with the Ruby Revue in Dallas and Houston, and I’m really looking forward to the shows we have lined up for the rest of the year. I will also be back to New Orleans soon for a Bustout Show, and next year I’m looking forward to the Dallas Burlesque Festival and Viva Las Vegas. Also, there are a couple of ideas for new numbers that I really want to explore.

Do you have any burlesque heroes in your life, either Legends or contemporaries, that you admire?

Absolutely! I am a huge fan of Stephanie Blake, Tiffany Carter, Shannan Doah, Satan’s Angel, Tammie True and Toni Elling to name just a few. As for contemporaries, I admire Michelle L’amour for her talent, humor and work ethic. She’s taught me the most out of everyone and I will always feel deep gratitude to that woman. Also, every time I get to see her perform, it feels like the first time — she’s amazing. Ophelia Flame has also been not just a good friend, but a very good “stripper big sis.” Locally, I love, love my girls Ruby Joule and Coco Lectric and the Jigglewatts down in Austin. They can do it all – humor, classic, group numbers and variety. They are good friends and some of my most favorite people to work with. And Missy Lisa is always an inspiration to me for self assurance and her ability to constantly evolve. Another fellow Texan that I admire is Perle Noire. She consistently produces some of the most physical and energetic shows and I really love how she leaves her heart out on the stage; she thrills me. I could go on and on, but all these ladies are at the top of the list for me.

New Orleans Queen of Burlesque Ginger Valentine and her burlesque partner in crime, Missy Lisa (POC Photo)

Posted in Written by Paul O'Connell
Tags: , , , , , ,

Mezzo Lunatico’s Contributions to Local Variety

•09/22/2011 • 3 Comments

Inside Teatro ZinZanni Seattle (Photo Credit Pending)

– Written by Madeline Rider (Contributor, Seattle)

Ordinarily a visit to Teatro ZinZanni’s spiegeltent is about as accessible to me as someone else’s wallet. As a lower-middle class professional, the $100-plus ticket price for the theater’s standard dinner show is well beyond my means and has remained an illusive fantasy. Perhaps ZinZanni is taking a hint from the dramatic blow to its neighboring arts organizations, including but not in anyway limited to Intiman’s recent near-death experience. Teatro’s semi-monthly late-night variety show Mezzo Lunatico provides a more financially practical opportunity for local fans of the Seattle performance community to experience what is generally limited to a select audience. After tickets and the twenty dollar mandatory food and beverage credit, the evening shapes up to be quite affordable.

Hosted and curated by One Reel’s programming director Chris Porter, September’s Mezzo Lunatico held an obvious 1960s soul vibe, with fantastic live music provided by band Soul Senate and singer Felicia Loud. The serving staff were attired in accordance with the theme, save for a vinyl-clad bartender equipped with liquor holsters strapped around her waist. They shuffled in and out of what appeared to be a full house. The tent was cozy, but not too cozy, leaving plenty of room to stretch your legs, recline, and relax as your focus draws to the center of the room. After a brief introduction, Porter made way for the first performer of the evening, Tanya Brno of Emerald City Trapeze. Frequently seen performing with aerial girl gang the Aerialistas, Brno’s performance emanated less overt sexuality than usually found in burlesque-orientated aerial and proved to be a sheer feat of aerial prowess.

Billed as “adult”, Porter’s Mezzo Lunatico included an inoffensive drug reference from contortionist Zarina Fire and Ruby Mimosa’s classic striptease; however, the most tawdry numbers stemmed from Ruby’s troupe Dance Belt (also composed of boylesque sensation Waxie Moon and modern dance extraordinaire Lou Henry Hoover) and their salacious choreography pulled from contemporary pop music videos. With the exception of a few thematically incongruous numbers in the second half, the show provided the audience- including the unfortunately placed heckler sitting directly behind me- with an excellent survey of the Seattle performance community.

The true success and benefit of Mezzo Lunatico lies not in the performance itself, but the opportunity it provides to the devotees of the community. By offering an affordable ticket price, producer Tim Gonzalez-Wiler quite literally opens the doors to his friends and neighbors in Seattle with the warmth and welcome faces of familiar acts. All the while, the allure of ZinZanni’s luxury attracts patrons who may not otherwise be exposed to our local variety scene.

Experience the local love yourself at Mezzo’s next production- El Vez, the Mexican Elvis, will grace the stage as host and curator on October 29th for Death: What a Way to Go!. The show will feature Cabaret Nouveau composer/singer/accordionist Seth Bedford, Operatic Tenor Steve Thoreson, 2011 reigning Queen of Burlesque Miss Indigo Blue, and performing art/butoh/dance company Momo Butoh. In the spirit of Halloween, October’s Mezzo Lunatico will include a Night of the Living Dead costume contest, open to all audience members.

For more information and tickets visit www.mezzolunatico.com

Waxie Moon @ Mezzo Lunatico (Photo Christopher Nelson)

Kitten LaRue at a Mezzo event last spring (Photo by David Rose Photography)

Posted in Written by Madeline
Tags: , , , , , ,

« Previous Entries
Next Entries »