by Audrey Gervasi
Combining 70s rock and burlesque is not exactly traditional, to the extent burlesque (or rock) can be considered "traditional." However, for four years this is exactly what producer Paula the Swedish Housewife has managed to pull off successfully. This year's production opened last night to a sold out house at The Triple Door, and did not disappoint.
The show is a collection of burlesque dance numbers, with a bit of cabaret style comedy thrown in, set to driving, rock music (primarily covers of Led Zeppelin tunes). The music is supplied by a live 8-piece rock band, featuring vocalists Sarah Rudinoff and Jen Ayers. These two ladies, particularly Ms. Ayers, deliver powerful, mind-blowing vocals. The band alone is worth the price of admission.
But wait, there's more.
Featured dancers include several of Seattle's Burlesque favorites: the exquisite and graceful Lily Verlaine, Miss Indigo Blue, Miss Inga Ingenue, and the gender-bending Waxie Moon, among others. Among the dances are a sensuous, borderline pornographic number featuring Waxie Moon (who climaxes glitter), a Hindu goddess number featuring Lily Verlaine, and the finale is a teasing and beautiful group feather fan dance. The costumes are gorgeous, and skillfully used by the performers to tease the audience. Ms. Verlaine in particular seemed to enjoy tantalizing the audience with the time she took to remove her garments.
The show delivers on its promise to leave you "dazed, confused, and ecstatic." While thoroughly entertaining, the show seemed to lack cohesion. However, in discussing this with other audience members, it was pointed out that if one is familiar with the songs, the dances actually do connect. Printed programs could alleviate this issue.
As can be gleaned, House of Thee Unholy is not for those who are offended by overt displays of sexuality and gender-bending. But it is a treat for the open-minded individual who wants to be enveloped in sensuous beauty, strangeness, and rock music.
House of Thee Unholy #4 runs through Saturday evening, September 25. For more info and tickets visit www.thetripledoor.net.
See Also:
Waxie Moon shining brighter than ever
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