Who doesn’t love a good musical? Or making fun of a good musical?! Burlesque Classique presents The Burlesque of Broadway at the Capital Fringe Festival this summer. Nothing is sacred in this sassy, sexy rumpus to some traditional Broadway show tunes. Watch the costumes fall away and the sparkly skin emerge to songs from Damn Yankees to Nine – some classic and some unexpected!
The Burlesque of Broadway will present a wide variety of numbers. The show is hosted by the gorgeous and irreverent Mx May Nads, who has costume changes to rival Cher and a body to make Vida proud. Each night will have a different line up of glittering beauty. “Cell Block Tango” from Chicago is a guaranteed showstopper. Sultry murderesses will grace the stage wearing costumes that leave little to the imagination. A glamorous dance with ostrich feather fans will help Lola get whatever she wants. Bondage tape makes going “Out Tonight” so much more intriguing. And no one expects to have to literally “Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair.”
Burlesque Classique is a modern day traditional burlesque troupe that delivers sassy, saucy entertainment. The troupe is directed by Lola Rose. Lola’s experience, and that of the company members, ranges throughout most dance genres, from ballet to ballroom to belly dance to musical theatre, with many styles in between. As a result, Burlesque Classique presents a different burlesque show than what many people expect. Yes, there are titillating strip teases; yes, there are pasties and tassels; and yes, there are bumps and grinds. But BC also delivers group numbers with grand battements, pirouettes, and stag leaps. BC dancers spend many hours in dance class and rehearsal to hone technical prowess and precision.
Hearkening back to the beginnings of burlesque, Burlesque Classique questions traditional roles and ideas of both gender and sexuality, both in public and private domains. Traditional burlesque makes fun of social mores and pushes the boundaries of what is acceptable. The burlesque show is a high-energy romp; it is fun and stimulating. It celebrates humanity, sensuality, and relationship.
Lola Rose, a classically trained ballerina, is often asked why she dances burlesque. People ask if that cheapens her dance technique. “Burlesque has a much broader spectrum of performance opportunity than most any other form of dance. My ass has always been a bit too large for ballet – but it is my ‘moneymaker’ in burlesque!” In a recent article in The Washington Post, Celia Wren wrote, “Back in the day, the leg show and striptease facilitated the ogling of attractive women. The new burlesque is more inclusive: It facilitates the ogling of everybody.” And Burlesque Classique will give you plenty to ogle!
PERFORMANCES
At Baldacchino Gypsy Tent Bar
607 New York Avenue, NW, in Washington, DC
METRO: Mt. Vernon Square 7th Street. (Green/Yellow); Gallery Place/Chinatown (Red, Green/Yellow)
FRI 7/12 at 10:00 PM
SAT 7/13 at 8:30 PM
SUN 7/14 at 8:30 PM
TUE 7/16 at 6:30 PM
FRI 7/19 at 9:00 PM
SUN 7/21 at 6:30 PM
SUN 7/28 at 1:45 PM
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE.
