Historically burlesque has comprised dance, comedy, wit, glamour, slapstick, striptease and nudity, having evolved from the saw dusted dance halls of nineteenth-century Europe. Modern burlesque, sometimes called "neo-burlesque", is much of the same: literally a variety show with bare bosoms. Today's New York City burlesque is much more sexy, clever and innovative. If you've never seen Dirty Martini covered in pink balloons, pop them with a cigarette one by one until she is naked, or Julie Atlas Muz being manhandled, naked, by a bloody severed hand to the sounds of Screamin' Jay Hawkins' "I've got a spell on you" or Tigger as the legendary Father McTigger, the incredibly naughty priest, then you have yet to get to the heart of New York City's brilliant burlesque scene.
Gary Beeber's movie "Dirty Martini and the New Burlesque" which is being premiered at the Abrons Arts Center on June 13th, is a candid and poignant revelation of the love, passion, trials and challenges of the performers in New York City's burlesque scene. Featuring the beloved Dirty Martini as pondered by herself and her colleagues: Julie Atlas Muz, World Famous *Bob*, Jo Boobs Weldon, Tigger!, Bunny Love, Bambi the Mermaid, Peekaboo Pointe and Angie Pontani, it takes us to the heart and humour behind the dazzling smiles and false eyelashes; the grind behind the glitter.
There's a special kind of camaraderie backstage; the performers, as underpaid as if it's still Victorian England, who have to reveal themselves completely onstage every night, rely on each for emotional support and are as tight as a corset. The players of burlesque do every night onstage what dwells in most peoples' nightmares: appear naked in front of many people; they are brave and bold and they do it all for you.
Julie Atlas Muz, burlesque's fearless, naked ambassador to the cool, groomed Chelsea and the Whitney Biennial straddles the line between the contemporary art world and New York nightlife. Jo Boobs Weldon is burlesque's magnanimous headmistress, our gorgeous, sexy teacher imparting her extensive knowledge at New York's School of Burlesque. World Famous *Bob* is divine, blonde representation of fifties' glamour. Bunny Love is Little Beau Peep with a tiger's heart: fluffy on the outside and dangerous at the core. Angie Pontani embodies smooth old-school charm.
Together they tell the viewer how much they love Dirty Martini and Dirts herself provides us with an endearing snapshot into her life: the realities and the inspiration.
The New York City premiere of Gary Beeber's documentary at the Abron Arts Centre in June (tickets can be purchased here: scroll down the page) will be hosted by Murray Hill, burlesque's interminably ebullient MC, and feature all the above mentioned performers. There are few people in the world who can charm the pants off you with one look and make you want jump into their arms and yell: "Daddy!" Murray Hill is one of these people. Together with Murray, the performances at the premiere will represent the best of what New York City burlesque has to offer.
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