This evening I had the opportunity to guest on a show produced by The Gorejess Mimi Montgomery, featuring her Gorejess Gals at The Syndicate (formerly Vela) downtown. The performers; Cherry "Killer" Tomatoes, Pixie Parcelle, Flirty Sanchez and Flora Burns brought a mix of performance concepts and styles, but each one focused on an aspect of Pride; self pride, geek pride, pride in ones appearance, and of course gay pride.
The evening began with a piece by Cherry "Killer" Tomatoes. Cherry's performance as a Bible-thumping, sign toting, closested lesbian who finds self acceptance and a new take on life was an upbeat and comedic first act. Cherry's use of the picketing signs as fans was innovative and fun. The one thing I would recommend is that during the opening number/introductions, she appeared in only half of her costume. Having already given away part of the prize, the reveal was less powerful. Maybe add a robe or overcoat to the costume? Just a thought. Cherry would return at the end of the show with a classic balloon number. These acts are hard to sell because the concept behind the act is not one many people get today. Cherry did very well by emphasizing the pleasure and enjoyment she got out of popping the balloons or better yet having some one else pop them.
The pocket sized performer Pixie Parcelle performed a number as a geeky science girl, who through the use of a chemical cocktail finds the courage to let go and become the woman she longs to be. Pixie's physical performance was beautifully awkward, and her facial expressions priceless. I want to see this number again, as I see a lot of potential in it. Unfortunately I think it suffered from the rather small space, for even though Pixie is pocket sized herself, she has a LOT of energy and would benefit from a slightly bigger playing field.
The Gorejess Mimi Montgomery would offer up her own piece of pride, and that is pride in a job well done and in making a difference going from housewife to empowered WWII riveter. I have seen several Rosie themed acts, and each in its way has been good. I particularly liked that Mimi explored the psychology of the "woman at home" and the "woman at work". We all want to make a difference, and feeling that we actually can and do leaves us stronger for it. Mimi would also emcee the show, exuding a bubbly charisma and light hearted sex appeal. As a host, Mimi played well with the audience. She was not too easily distracted but not so focused on the next thing in the lineup that she couldn't banter a little. From experience I can tell you that it is a difficult balancing act, and I am happy to say she did it well.
Flora Burns, provided an abosolutely fantastic piece to Bannana Phone. I had never heard the song before, but now I want to look it up. With corded telephone (that she later peels) and a dress that came undone in a similair manner, Flora was funny, sexy, and she rocked this neo-take on the classic housewife act. I especially liked her pasties which used telephone cord instead of tassles... and she still spun them rather deftly. Brava!
The final performer of the evening was Flirty Sanchez. Like most of the ladies tonight, I had not had the opportunity to see Flirty perform before this show. I want to see her again. Her first act was a lovely classic piece, a strip tease out of an evening gown, that had a final twist when she first removed the false breasts from her bra and second revealed a hidden package in her underwear. I thought it interesting that she did not go down to pasties for this one but it made sense when I realized she was playing a man, playing a woman. Very Victor/Victoria. Her second number was another gender bender. Entering stage as a Spanish matador, Flirty reveals that she is not the man she appears to be. Removing facial hair, false 'junk' and adding earring and lipstick, she unveiled her feminity. The crown of this number however was the unbinding of her breasts. Wrapped tight, and in many layers, Flirty shows the audience just what a woman once had to do be accepted in a male dominate world. The rhinestone nipple pasties where a nice touch, though it was the thought "behind the pasties" that I was most impressed with.
Over all the Gorejess Gals provided a nice variety of acts, and the audience seemed very well pleased. I was honored to be able to perform with these talented young ladies, and would be happy to attend another of their shows either on stage or in the audience. Their next show July 1st will have a USA theme and I am curious to see what these clever ladies come up with for that show.
Loves,
Fosse Jack
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