Next Saturday evening, when you perchance are shuffling down Main Street, frustrated with your usual weekend routine, brooding about your unresolved Halloween costume idea and considering joining an East European circus instead of settling into a mind-numbing nine-to-five lifestyle, keep your eyes open for Mr. Maid Rite striking rhythms with his wash-board “device” and stilt walkers pointing out the newly reopened, recently remodeled Bouquet. These chic and kooky artists will direct you out of your bored doldrums and into an electrifying Red Light Variety Show. I was lucky enough to see a dress rehearsal and could not get enou
gh of the irresistible performances. The show features fifteen performing artists—give or take—who put on a rousing theatre experience not to be missed.
Look forward to the phenomenal Minerva Jayne as M.C. for ferocious dance numbers from the Brass Knuckles Burlesque Troupe, Alejandro Anastasio’s music and monologues, reptilian dance styles from the Eclectica Dance Troup, and powerful shakes and delicate tiptoes from belly dancer Kristin Hill. Minerva will perform her stellar drag routine and Allison Holley will rival acrobats with her impressive pole dancing techniques. It will be a full night of black corsets, fishnet stockings, magnificent hula hoops, bright colors, bold stripes, jewels and feathery fans that carry the diameter of monster truck wheels. There will be red fabric draped throughout the Bouquet, from velour to drops to red curtains. Says Anne MacDonald from Brass Knuckles, “We’ll just have loads of fabric.” There will be classy swing tunes, umbrellas, trampolines and absurdist ballet that Edward Gorey might have conducted.
True, the Bouquet’s suspended liquor license prevents alcohol from being served at the Red Light show. But since the burlesque show is equitable to a dramatic event, the bar will be set up like a theater space. So come for imaginative performances, wild steps, creative music and uproarious laughter. If you need booze to get out of your dreary monotony, make sure to fill up beforehand. There is talk of a possible journey to a nearby bar, to be organized before the show.
Ticket proceeds for the Variety Show will benefit A.L.P.H.A. (Allies Linked for the Prevention of HIV and AIDS). After the phenomenal burlesque event ends and you dread a forever return to mind-numbing suburbia, you need not fear the same tedium for long. The Red Light Variety Show’s New Year’s party is in the works and already sounds spellbinding.
The Red Light Variety Show: Saturday, October 25, 9 PM @ Bouquet, $7
Rehearsal...
