Von Vett (Center) with her girls in Leadville or Bust!
Leadville or Bust; Review
Leadville Or Bust was marketed as “A comic burlesque operetta.” While I’m not so sure that is exactly correct, it was completely entertaining and very enjoyable. The show - written, conceived, directed, costumed by, and staring Reyna Von Vett – was a musical romp through the time of early burlesque. A time when burlesque was more “tease” than “strip-tease.” Von Vett was backed up by a trio of talented women with Elizabeth Welch, Michelle Sergeeff, and Melinda Smart. The two hours consisted of a series of musical vignettes laced with suggestive humor and flirtatious dance moves with Von Vett’s own mother backing them up on the Piano (As Von Vett joked – “And that’s not awkward at all.”)
I actually lost count of the number of costume changes in this show. While just looking at the costuming was worth the price of admission alone, much of it was a more modern take on the traditional garb of the era. It is important to note that the show was not to be compared to a traditional show or musical, but rather for what it was – a simple one-woman cabaret show with backup dancers. It duly served its purpose as an homage to early 20th century burlesque. And while it was overloaded by the talents of one performer, and not a true ensemble show, it still accurately portrayed the bawdy double entendre-laden reviews of the old west saloons. If the audience reaction was any indication of what that time must have been like, I’m certain that Von Vett got this interpretation right.
Unfortunately, Leadville or Bust, which was playing at the Crossroads theatre, has closed, but keep your eyes peeled for it to return. Von Vett is hoping to bring this labor of love back. If it does come back, and you are looking for a fun evening that will leave you wondering just what happened in those old west saloons, this would be the ticket to buy.
For more info: Check out the Leadville or Bust! website!
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