|
The Red Hot Dames
May 7,2006 Athenium
Theater - Chicago IL
Photos by Niva Bringas
.Show review by Dan Doerr
The history of
burlesque goes back over 150 years. As an alternative form of theater,
burlesque began as a parody of social behavior among the upper class. A
burlesque show was the avenue of great music and comedy at its start. As
burlesque grew, so did it’s desire to reach for limits of ribald humor
and tolerance of women that would dress less than appropriate. The
burlesque circuit was the starting point for such entertainment legends
as Jackie Gleason, W.C. Fields, Red Skelton and Bob Hope. As
entertainment evolved into other forms such as film and radio, interest
in burlesque was declining. As theater owners needed to sell seats they
relied more and more on scantily dressed women and the art of strip
tease. Eventually burlesque dancers would tarnish its reputation until
its destruction in the 1930's.
The art of burlesque
has gained back popularity since the 1990's and continues through now.
The Red Hot Dames show at the Anthenium Theater is a fine example of
this rebirth. The very funny and sexy Miss Tamale provided the MC duties
and kept the people laughing between performers. The Doestch brothers
also tickled the audience with their burlesque style of comedy. The
highlight was the gathering of some of Chicago’s best burlesque dancers.
The show began with
Miss Tamale as the Black Widow. Miss Tamale then took over as MC for the
dancers. Titi Touche, Maiden Sacrifice were followed by the foursome
from the Belmont Burlesque group. The birdcage act from Strawberry
Fields was next. Bit of Honey and Nikita danced next. Miss Tamale then
called for an audience volunteer. The audience member turned out to be
Cherry Jubilee. Miss Maya and Nikita put a spell on us after that.
The Brothers Doestch
than showed the audience “How to pick up a Red Hot Dame,” with Nikita
playing part as the “dame”. The captivating “Snow White” dance by the
“Miss Exotic World 2005” winner Michelle L’Amore was the last show
before intermission.
Cherish with her 8 foot
boa constrictor began the second half. Miss Von Livid was next Following
h were Naughty Natanya, Sexy Cocteau, Holly Wouldn’t, Clare De Lune,
Trinity and Dante. Michelle L’Amore returned for her second show “The
Balloon dance”. The evenings final performer was Angela Eve in her
hypnotizing temptress act.
The show lasted almost
3 hours and it was packed with fine entertaining talented dancers. The
energetic expression was shown by all the dancers in their own unique
way. The chance to see all of these performers is not be missed. The art
of burlesque certainly has a bright future with these ambassadors of the
erotic. If you have the opportunity to see this show, you will not be
disappointed. It’s burlesque at its best.
More information can be
found at
redhotdames.com. Show calendar, more information about the dancers,
links to their websites and lots of burlesque events can be found there.
They also will be selling a DVD of the Red Hot Dames live performance.
|
