June 2003 Culture ¢ the other press © A literary or dramatic work that ridicules a subject either by present- ing a solemn subject in an undignified style or an inconsequential subject in a dignified style. See synonyms at caricature. 2. A ludi- crous or mocking imitation; a travesty: The antics of the defense attorneys turned the trial into a burlesque of justice. 3. A variety show characterized by broad ribald comedy, dancing, and striptease. -American Heritage Dictionary Jennifer Aikman Look Managing Editor Okay, I know it’s a bit of a cop out to start things off with a dictionary definition, but I have to say this particular entry deftly describes what I witnessed at the Commodore Ballroom on May 30th. Burlesquefest, the first national tour of its kind, made its bawdy debut on a balmy Saturday night to a crowd that was nearly as diverse as the entertainment. Nineteen-year-old rockabillies mingled with couples my parents’ age, while outside, I shared my cigarettes with a hard-core rocker and over-the-top flamboyant transvestite. There was a great energy, even though the crowds were a bit thin. Perhaps a smaller venue would have been better, but no matter- once the band hit the stage, I pretty much forgot my surroundings Denver’s Devotchka captured my attention with their eerie Russian folk-meets-Reverend Horton Heat sound. Watching them clustered at the side of the stage, | was reminded of the band from Tim Burton’s A Nightmare Before Christmas, and I was completely smitten. With the multi-coloured twinkle lights and rich hues dressing the stage, I was transported to another era, but I'll be damned if I know which one. Devotchka played for a bit and then the incorrigi- ble Kitten on the Keys took the stage and took up her MC duties with a purr and a growl that was both charming and disturbing. Dressed as a little girl, Kitten was rank and doll-like, innocent and raunchy, and really quite funny. At this point in the show I started having technical difficulties, by which I mean I realized I had no film for the camera. So for the next little bit, I wandered about fretting and basically allowing myself to get dis- tracted from the show. As a result, things get a little disjointed here, but I'll do my best to relay my impressions. Oracle Dance took the stage and not only were the three girls gorgeous, they had the coolest routines. Their press bio states that their show is reminiscent of a sideshow at the end of the world, and it is such an accurate description, I won't even touch it. They appeared onstage a couple of times with the audience favourite being their amazing aerial numbers. It was really impressive, but then again I was wowed just looking at them. Sexy and strong, showcasing differ- ent body-types, these three women were a delight to behold. I stepped outside for a brief nicotine constitutional and when I returned I was treated to the vision of the absolutely lush, Miss Kitty Crimson — hubba hubba, kids. I showed up in time to see her writhing seduc- tively on stage in a red sequined bikini. This woman “As I joined the motley throng streaming out of the Commodore, everyone seemed extra sexy to me” has a figure that is curvier than a mountain road. | happily joined the hooting and hollering crowd as she finished up. That’s one thing about burlesque, mak- ing noise is half the fun. Kitten on the Keys continued to pop up (and out) in different areas of the room. The highlight — for me- was when she sang ‘On the Good Ship Lollipop,’ of course, with slightly skewed lyrics. How can you not like a woman who addresses the momentarily spot- lighted front row with “Oh hello, nice people. I’ve been showing you my boobies all night without even seeing you!” I was excited to see Vancouver's own Empire Burlesque Follies and I was thrilled by their shadow act that reminded me of A Clockwork Orange, a Marilyn Manson video and Cirque du Soleil all at once. It was bloody brilliant. Really, I could have gone home a happy woman at that point, but - like everyone else in the room - I was holding out to take http://otherpress.douglas.bc.ca_ se a gander at headliner, Catherine D’Lish. Time flew by, (the show went from 9:45 to 11:45) and I hadn’t long to wait before Miss D’Lish claimed the stage and performed a remarkable dance on a giant spider web. It was fascinating to watch this tiny woman of impressive proportions nimbly pick her way around a web in a spangly g-string. She finished off the evening with her famous champagne/bubble bath striptease. I had heard of this and had even seen photos, but I was not prepared for how sexy and gape-worthy it would be in person. Entering the stage in a drop-dead costume that she slowly and skill-fully removed with the help of a gentleman wearing a tuxedo (whom I astutely suspect was planted there) she held the attention of everyone in the place. Once she was down to her glittery skivvies she then shook a bottle of bubbly, and poured it down her body while the fellow caught a wineglass full from between her legs. All around me people went nuts. Everyone had these silly smiles on their faces as they applaud- ed and whistled. It was great. With a practiced leap, Miss D’Lish dove into a giant champagne glass and began frolicking and bathing in bubbles. It was a killer way to end the evening. As I joined the motley throng leaving the Commodore, everyone seemed extra sexy to me. The crowd looked pink-cheeked and gay (and no, I don’t mean homosexual — it’s a throw-back term, suitable here — you heathens). With the trance-inducing strains of violin and tuba, courtesy of Devotchka, still ringing in my ears, I felt camaraderie with the people spilling out onto Granville Street. Together we had just experienced drama, caricature and mocking imi- tations as well as ribald comedy, dancing, and striptease — just like the American Heritage dictionary promised. I would of course add a few adjectives like sexy, brave and fun. Yes, youve missed the Vancouver show, but visit for tour dates in other cities as well as more information about the show. Page 19 |