EMA Review: A NIGHT OF…BURLESQUE Delicious ★★★★★
- Erik Engman
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 hour ago
By Erik Engman
Author, Clown and Improvisation Teacher, Theatre Critic EatMoreArtVegas.com
IG: ErikReviewsVegas
One year ago, a small burlesque show named A Night of… Burlesque took over the stage at Vegas Theatre Company, and it immediately became a main staple in the Arts District. You may recall that Paul Atreides reviewed this show earlier this year, and now, for their one-year anniversary, we are back to help celebrate. I first saw this show a couple of years ago at the now-closed Vegas Stand Up & Rock Theater inside the Oyo Hotel and Casino. It was a nice space, though the stage was always much higher than the audience. Luckily, the VTC space is much more conducive to having an intimate experience.
The show is hosted by the vivacious Victoria Jade, dressed in full Jessica Rabbit elegance. As hosts go, she is among the best. Sassy and hilarious, Jade easily kept the audience engaged between acts, whether commenting on the action or letting her train of thought wander into reminiscing about The Little Mermaid. She was the glue that held this show together.
It started out strong, with Producer and star Mollie de Menthe entering like a rock star and laying it all out on the floor with incredible sex appeal. Following her was Winter Sinclair, who, contrary to her name, brought the heat with a brassy, comedic dance set to more traditional burlesque music. Third was Drea Mae, dressed in a sophisticated blue ensemble that exuded class. Hers was a more sultry performance that had the audience mesmerised.
Closing out the first act was Spotlight Poetry, a local group that performs around town. There were two poems, each shared by two performers. The first by Demetri Manabat and Johnny Swoopz, and the second by Elle Hope and Penehuro Williams. Both were politically and emotionally charged, bringing attention to societal issues and personal experiences. These kids were excellent, their passion keeping the audience enraptured.
After the Intermission, we started out with Kyra Thorne defying gravity as she combined her burlesque with hoop pole dancing, spinning around as she posed in provocative ways. I admire the dexterity such a talent takes. After the raffle, next up was Alexa Leggs, who got the biggest applause of the night. She commanded the stage with a desirable assurance and determination. The cheering was deafening. Closing out the show was our host, Victoria Jade, the highlight of the night, with a witty and playful act to the song “It’s Raining Men”, clad in a raincoat and bringing in an umbrella for a fabulous finish.
It might sound like the show is there to objectify the girls, and that certainly is a part of it, but for me, what I love is seeing the women embrace their bodies and share with us what beauty really means: diversity, body positivity, and confidence in who you are. The whole evening was such a delight. Special shout-out to the “kittens” Brandi Glass and Miss Betti D, who sold singles and collected the thrown money and discarded clothes. If burlesque is your thing, then I urge you to check out A Night of… Burlesque, which performs on the second Thursday of each month. I’m definitely going back.
What: A Night of... Burlesque
When: 8 p.m., Second Thursday of the Month, Ongoing
Where: Vegas Theatre Company, 1025 S. 1st St., Las Vegas, NV 89101
Tickets: Tickets: $29.14 - $89.90, www.theatre.vegas
RATING:
Delicious ★★★★★
Presenter: Mollie DeMenthe