Burlesque isn’t easy. Ever a brave art, Lola Rose’s The Burlesque of Broadway reminds repeat customers of the genre that burlesque is funny and celebratory, sure, but also polished and intelligent at its very best. It’s also a damn good time.
Rose’s troupe, Burlesque Classique, hits the mark with a sweaty and raunchy escapade under the Capital Fringe’s big tent. Emcee “May Nads” (insert guffaw) commands the stage both as host and participant, gliding across the stage in endless costume changes with a quick and bawdy wit.
Like most of its ilk, The Burlesque of Broadway offers saucy and satirical strip, complete with trademark tassels and pasties.
Musical theater fans will enjoy watching the troupe delightfully defile works from Damn Yankees and The Sound of Music, while group numbers to Spamalot and Chicago make for some dazzling moments.
May Nads also abandons the emcee role for a moment to steal the show with an all-too-literal interpretation of “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair” from South Pacific.
The Burlesque of Broadway
by Lola Rose
70 minutes
at Fort Fringe – Baldacchino Gypsy Tent Bar
607 New York Ave NW
Washington, DC, 20001
Details and tickets
The Burlesque of Broadway stands out not just for content but also for the work Rose’s troupe clearly put in. The performance boasts some well-choreographed chorus lines. Dancers stylishly tap, can-can and pirouette for the audience, shedding any and all clothing along the way that isn’t rigidly attached, of course.
To tell more would do the show’s future audience a disservice. After all, burlesque is all about what you’re about to see, not what’s already out there, isn’t it?
Suffice to say, May Nads tells the audience mid-way through, “If you thought that was impressive, you’re correct.” We did, and we are.
You must be logged in to post a comment.