It’s time for tinsel and tassels when those sassy girls from the Cheesecake Burlesque Revue return to the Vernon Performing Arts Centre for a few events this week.
Providing a little spice, lots of nice, and just a touch of naughty, with layers of sparkle and glitter, the Cheesecakes take to the stage Friday with their modern take on the classic art form of burlesque.
But first the girls will be providing a Sass Class 101: an introduction to burlesque, which is open to females only, Thursday.
Participants will play the Stage Name Game, while learning the history of burlesque, making the most of props, burlesque movement, tassel twirling and more, said Cheesecake founding member Champagne Sparkles, adding that the troupe will supply boas, gloves and pasties.
“This workshop is a super fun way to get together with your girlfriends and have some sass-tastic play time. It’s a fun, safe place to discover your inner burlesque diva,” said Sparkles.
The Victoria-based troupe last delighted a sold-out Performing Arts Centre audience in 2009, and has been busy since performing throughout B.C., and to bigger stages in Las Vegas, New York, New Orleans and Paris.
“We are bringing an all-new show this year, with all the charm, sass and hilarity as in 2009 with new songs, acts and jokes and a whole lot of feathers, sequins and rhinestones. We have been continuing to develop as performers and a troupe, honing our craft and getting even sparklier,” said Sparkles, who will be joined on stage by an entourage of leading ladies: Kitten Kaboodle, Midori Colada, Wild Honey, Ginger Kittens, Punky Screwster, Silk E Gunz and Mz B Haven.
“These ladies are a fun, cheeky, sassy and bubbly mix of girl guerrillas ready to take the stage by stillettoed storm. It’s all about making you cheer as they re-live the sweet, sexy brilliance that we all thought was lost to a bygone era.”
A traditional burlesque sampler is an old-fashioned striptease and homage to past performers such as Sally Rand (a burlesque dancer noted for her ostrich feather fan and balloon bubble dances), however, the Cheesecakes are not trying to re-create past shows. While their style is classic, their music and costumes add a modern twist, said Sparkles.
After the show you’ll find the Cheesecakes in the foyer selling pasties, fringe panties, tassels, T-shirts and other naughty and nice gifts.
Those interested in participating in the Sass Class 101, Thursday, May 10, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., in the PAC’s Marie Fleming Hall can contact the Ticket Seller at 250-549-7469, www.ticketseller.ca. Cost is $50 each and includes a ticket to the show.
Tickets for the performance only, Friday, May 11 at 8 p.m. are $25/adult, $22/senior and $20/student, also at the Ticket Seller.
