With
the rejuvenation of cabaret burlesque spanning the artist world, it can
now be difficult to generate the startling yet saucy impact that
burlesque should have. Ideas can lose originality; costumes can become
common and the music choice sometimes too predictable.
It is however, with my cheeky grin that’s still attempting to mould itself back to normal, I can announce that TheBurlesque Hour….Sizzles has none of the above attributes.
Original,
saucy, erotic and just simply hilarious is only beginning to describe
the collaborative efforts of performance artist Moira Finucane and
Patrick White Award Winner Jackie Smith and their indecent yet delightful
claim of burlesque. And the contagious atmosphere of the Spiegeltent
only adds to the elation this show creates.
Arranged
so each performer has at least three individual pieces, this show
captures the very essence of burlesque – risky and exhilarating.
Complementing one another, the acts flow on easily, almost allowing you
time to catch your breath from the last one.
Each
girl adds a vast range of breath-taking talent to the stage. In
Japanese wild girl Yumi Uminare’s case, she takes full advantage to
capitalise on her own stereotypes. From her delightfully freakish
‘hello kitty’ impersonation to her Butoh influenced burlesque act, the
ideas remain completely fresh and original – and each time bring down
the house. The stunning Azaria Universe combines her strong circus
skills and witty dramatics to create the hilarious ‘strong man’, as
well as sending the audience into fits of laughter with the show
stopper mimic of ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart.’ And playful Maude Davey
causes the shock of the night with her infamous strawberry act – the
art of finding the small piece of fruit where one would least expect it
to be!
The entire show however, is very nearly awarded to Claire Bartholomew with her character of Pierre – magician and love machine. While
he stumbles through his non-existent magic acts and falters in his
attempts to flatter the ladies, he is all the while winning every heart
in the room with his playful round belly and consistent grin.
It is this utter commitment to the act that stands The Burlesque Hour
out from the rest. These girls are smart, sassy and intelligent and
while they provoke messages of gender roles and ideas of sexuality,
they also produce an uproarious show that would even have your
grandmother chuckling in her seat.
Do yourself a favour and make sure you don’t miss these girls again.
The Burlesque Hour
Venue: The Famous Spiegeltent, Arts Centre | 100 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne Dates: Tues 11 Dec – Fri 14 Dec 2007 Time: 7pm Tickets: $38 full/$31 conc (gst incl) Bookings: Ticketmaster 1300 136 166 | www.ticketmaster.com.au
The Hypocrite | Melbourne Theatre Company
Outstanding among the actors is Garry McDonald, who blasts on to the stage with a tempestuous energy, sweeping the play along in a torrent of words.
Read more
With
the rejuvenation of cabaret burlesque spanning the artist world, it can
now be difficult to generate the startling yet saucy impact that
burlesque should have. Ideas can lose originality; costumes can become
common and the music choice sometimes too predictable.
