Sunday, June 19, 2011

Disney After Dark

In previous reviews I have made comments concerning "themed shows." They either work, or they fall apart. While most of the shows I've seen come close to falling apart, Stripped Screw Burlesque's current production, Disney After Dark, does not. 

Techincally speaking the show has a few weak points.  The sound track, though clever, is roughly cut together and sudden breaks in the music seem accidental, and can be distracting... especially when they land in the middle of a performaner's train of thought (action).  The disembodied narrator is inconsistent, introducing some but not all numbers; and when the voice of "Granny Screw" is present it doesn't add much.

That being said the remaining production values, and performance standards of this show are fairly high; good burlesque with a few truly outstanding pieces woven in.  The show is built on the journey of an "unconventional princess" and the search for true love.  With anchor points, begining, middle and end, bringing you back to the main plot line, and the character of the "princess" and her guide, the Blue Fairy, serving as pick-up artists, you are fully immersed in the story no matter what the next performance is. 

Each act is based on a classic (or new) work of Disney, which is promptly turned on its head, revealing the naughty bits hidden beneath the fluff.  Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Snow White, Alice in Wonderland, Bambi, Pinnochio, Peter Pan, Lady and the Tramp, Winnie the Pooh (seriously!), Beauty & The Beast, and even an Award Winning Pixar Film (I won't ruin the surprise!) are featured in this show.  No childhood memory is sacred.

Stripped Screw's Primaries and Guest performers, bring a wide variety of performance styles.  While Minetta Lane, Kylie Koyote, Bella Bijoux and Roxie Moxie each provide their own take on classic and neo strip tease, Randi Rascal brings some electric fun, Stella D'Letto explores shoe lust, and newcommer Kutie LaBootie thumps the audience good with her charming blend of cuteness and filth.  Violet Tendencies pairs up with The Trojan Original to bring you a beautifully executed, and terribly depraved pas de deux (giggity). The Paris Original, rocks the stage en pointe, lending his usual comedic charm, and incomparable grace to the show (swoon).  Wiggy Stardust ... is ... Brilliant!

Saying more would give away some really fun twists and surprises, so let me finish by saying that, Disney After Dark is a great show and one that I strongly encourage my readers to see.  It will be playing one more weekend, June 24th (8pm) and 25th (7pm AND 8:30pm) at The Rendezvous/Jewelbox Theater.

$15 at Brownpapertickets.com/event/178342

Loves!
Fosse Jack

1 comment:

  1. Agreed! I feel true remorse for ANYone who missed this show! It was phenomenal! I enjoyed the MC coming from the heavens, and the pick up artists being tied into the show.

    It made it flow SO well!

    I almost didn't go - so glad I decided against missing it!

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