The Grand Burlesque Show

Any of my friends will tell you that, after seeing Midnight in Paris and The Artist last year, I developed what some could call a boundless enthusiasm for all things roaring 20's. Ostrich feathers and drop waist skirts stood for Gatsby glamour (a new obsession), while bourbon and pearls and costume jewelry reigned supreme. I guess its not surprising then that with my new jazz era love, I developed a deep and unfulfilled desire to go see Burlesque. Such is the reason I have been readily anticipating the Grand Burlesque Show, a fun and exciting diversion from the usual Friday night amusements in this city.

Burlesque, a musical theatre performance with roots in the Victorian era, underwent an exotic transformation towards "cooch" dance in late 19th century America, reportedly secondary to Syrian influence. Extravagance and elaborate stage costumes as well as female nudity took over in the early 20th century, with famed strippers like Sally Rand and Lili St. Cyr burgeoning onto the scene. Until now, one could hardly find a trace of these performances without flying to Crazyhorse in Paris, or googling Dita Von Teese and watching from home. It never made sense to me how Montreal, with its endless array of strip clubs, never capitalized on some much-wanted classy, gender-neutral cabaret. Thankfully, tickets to the Grand Burlesque show, a revue which starts this Thursday the 29th, have satisfied my craving for the short term!

From their website:

"Sit comfortably while our charming hostesses bring you the best Champagne. You will rediscover the world through Scarlett's eyes and live an evening of charm and wit! A thoughtful melange of artists will grace the stage and spice up the evening with surprising acts. Candy for the eyes and for the soul, Champagne as a main course, sparkly deserts with a feather on top! It is the time to wear your best hats, we want to see diamonds, pearls, lace, bow ties, glitz and glam!"

I'll be in the crowd Friday the 30th, and I hope all of you will too! Tickets start from $58 and come in a hand written envelopes. We're dressing to kill - Josephine Baker style, with hair pieces, feathers and vintage dresses, before we hit Dominion Square Tavern for dinner. Seats are first come, first serve, so come early!

The Grand Burlesque Show   |   Thursday, March 29th - Saturday, March 31st, 2012   |   8 pm, Club Soda, St. Laurent   |   www.grandburlesqueshow.com   |   Tickets available online or in select stores   | 

photo credits: www.grandeburlesqueshow.com