What Was Burlesque?

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A recent article bizarrely called "This is Burlesque," the wonderful show produced at Corio by Angie Pontani and Murray Hill, "New York's oldest surviving burlesque show." That distinction probably belongs more to the Slipper Room's regular Saturday night show, Mr. Choade's; or to Le Scandal if you include the time it ran as The Blue Angel (from which it evolved). TIB is in fact celebrating its first year aniversary. As the article more correctly states, however, the show IS a quite fabulous, and as far as I know it's the only burlesque show you can see at dinner time!

'Join the festivities at Corio from Thursday, October 2 - Saturday, October 4 as the dazzling weekly revue This is Burlesque celebrates its one-year anniversary. Catch downtown “King of Comedy” Murray Hill, neo-burlesque star Angie Pontani, The World Famous Pontani Sisters, smoldering songstress Melody Sweets and a host of other guests in a show that harks back to boozy speak-easy nights, Tin Pan Alley and vaudeville, paying homage to the magic and roots of burlesque. No two shows are alike, as comedy and improvisation run fast and loose, with a wild array of acts delivered up close and personal in an intimate lounge environment.'
This is Burlesque

Also in today's news, an article in The Brooklyn Daily Eagle notes, 'On October 1, 1922 burlesque was not quite the risque type of entertainment it became in later years. This ad from the Brooklyn Daily Eagle for “Radio Girls” at the Casino Theatre ballyhooed the show as “burlesque for the entire family.” Wonder what Cleora did in the show?'

What the hell DID Cleora do? Curious? Take a look at this search on Google Books. Clearly there's no stripping. Family entertainment is so not my thing.

Posted by Jo Weldon, Headmistress of The New York School of Burlesque, for burlesquedaily.blogspot.com.

Comments

J Shirasina said…
What a killer show! I saw it two weeks ago and was blown away. It was an almost overwhelming dose of talent and sheer sexiness. read my full review at:

www.tantalizingvenus.blogspot.com
October 7, 2008 at 9:59 AM
Unknown said…
October 3, 2008
Tease-O-Rama
San Francisco


I was completely blownaway and impressed with the whole Go GO GODZILLA performance BRAVO. I would love to see it again.

David

ddolsoniv@gmail.com
October 21, 2008 at 3:23 PM
Unknown said…
Oct 3, 2008 SF Tease-O-Rama

GO Go Godzilla was one of the best performances of the night.... What a great idea!! Bravo! I would love to see it again.

David
ddolsonvi@gamil.com
October 21, 2008 at 3:28 PM
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