Fresno Famous

Friday, October 24 was the advent of a different kind of entertainment for the Fresno area when the Valley Burlesque Society presented "Wicked Burlesque; A Variety Show to Haunt and Taunt".

The Full Circle Brewing Co. was packed to near capacity with an audience treated to an old fashioned lineup of music, dance, magic, comedy, amazing feats and the art of the tease.

The show was opened by The Suicide Lounge, crooning tunes both provocative and silly to prime the audience for what was to come. A standout performance by Nate Butler doing his own special cover of "Creep" established the tongue-in-cheek tone of the evening, while Robert Paul's playful rendition of "Fistful of Love" alluded to a more lowbrow theme. Sultry interpretations of "Why Don't You Do Right?" and "House of the Rising Sun" added a sensual touch.

The audience was treated to two outstanding debut performances by Peekaboo Pansy and Fleur Mystique, followed by a touch of mystery from Amanda Allure. Then magician Bryan Patrick brought a sense of wonder to the proceedings both before and during the show with his own style of strong magic using audience participation.

In Cap'n Scurvy's Apocalypse Hoedown Revival, Reverend Ezekiel Ignatius Flatbottom extolled the virtues of a dubious product that put one in mind of the snake oil salesmen of yore. But his delivery came complete with banjo accompaniment, death-defying feats, questionable miracle alchemical healings, and a whole lot of fun.

The night was bursting at the seams with performance and variety. Next on the stage were the lovely ladies of Fresno's very first Basics of Burlesque instructional series, proving they paid attention in class. There is nothing more impressive than a stage full of confident women with feather boas, satin gloves, and an assurance that they know exactly what they are doing and how to do it well.

The evening was rounded out by Joie de Vivre playing a French Maid tired of picking up after everyone, a very special political guest appearance that brought down the house with a hockey shtick, and Amanda Allure's exuberant alien just trying to fit in.

Fresh from this successful first outing, the Valley Burlesque Society is looking for more entertainers and variety acts to participate in future ventures. Comedians, magicians, contortionists, jugglers, musicians of all sorts, dancers of any variety, sideshow freaks, plate spinners, drag queens, impersonators, ventriloquists, hypnotists, etc... The list goes on. If it could be seen on a Vaudeville style stage, if an audience might like it, the Valley Burlesque Society wants to include it in a future variety show. This is a new kind of entertainment for the Fresno area. Anyone with a stage-worthy talent, skill, or idea is encouraged to contact organizers at vbsfresno@comcast.net.

Plans are already being made for the next show on December 13, 2008 at 8:00 pm. The theme is "All I Want for Christmas..." with slots still available in the show for entertainers who would like to participate. Future endeavors include Vaudeville Variety style shows for the Rogue Performance Festival 2009, and more.

For anyone interested in learning the Basics of Burlesque and the art of the tease, Amanda Allure and Joie de Vivre announce Round Two of burlesque instruction in Fresno.

Classes are weekly. If you missed the first class, don't worry, it's easy to catch up! Don't miss this opportunity to tap into your inner diva!

Burlesque and the art of the tease are for real women with real bodies. All sizes and shapes are welcome. All ages, over 18 years, are encouraged to join.

Another round of Basics of Burlesque classes begin Monday, 11/3, 5:30 - 6:30pm at California Arts Academy - Severance, 1401 N Wishon Ave. in the Tower District.

A 6 week course is $90 prepaid for the full course (no refunds for missed classes), or $20 per class. There is an optional $25 materials fee for costuming supplies.

Students will learn some basics of burlesque performance, costume construction basics while making and decorating their own costume pieces, stage makeup and hair basics, and a beginning burlesque group choreography. Students will have the opportunity to perform with the class at the next Valley Burlesque Society event on December 13: "All I Want For Christmas..." (Performance is not required to participate in class.)

Class attire is basic workout wear, close fitting leggings or yoga pants, close fitting t-shirts or tank tops. You will also need a pair of heeled shoes suitable for dancing. Ballroom dance shoes are ideal, but any shoe with a heel that is sturdy and you feel you can dance in steadily is fine.

Contact Joie_deVivre@comcast.net or AmandaAllure@msn.com for more information. (Private instruction is also available.)

Joy is a local vocalist, dancer, and burlesque instructor with an interest in bringing quality variety entertainment to the Fresno area.