The stereotype of the burlesque performer as a former theater kid is a common one.
“You're a theater kid, right?” is a question often asked of burlesque performers and crewmates. While not all of us were theatre kids, many of us found a home for our theatrical impulses in burlesque. And why not?!
In burlesque, you can be a performer, producer, designer, director, technician, an inventor, or a magician. Small stories and experiences are crafted from beginning to end, a theatrical tradition proudly continued through the centuries. The best part is this: there's significantly less waiting around in burlesque for someone to tell you if you fit into their idea of a story. Instead, we bring our stories to producers who create a narrative around what we bring.
A call goes out, a theme or idea (say, "Broadway" or "musicals"), asking performers to consider what they may want to put on stage and what they can commit to. Sometimes, there are numbers we've done over and over, improved every time, submitted with proven show power. Or, we're inspired by the theme itself to create something brand-spanking-new.
Since 2016, The Candybox Revue's annual New York Stripped Broadway & Musicals Burlesque Experience has been a sanctuary for the theater kid in all of us. The production is a passionate celebration of that spirit, rooted in the "theater kid" inspiration that our members all eventually become - whether they have a history in the theatre or not.
This shared passion is perhaps best exemplified by our signature number, "Be Italian" from the musical Nine. Choreographed by founder Ursula Undress to Fergie's tambourine-banging version of the song,
"Be Italian" is now truly in our teal colored blood. It almost seems like a rite of passage for new troupe members to get their first tambourine bruises on their left shoulders and their right hips. It becomes a pavlovian response to instinctively search for a folding chair to drag across the floor when that first rattle and horn sting of the song hit the air.
While sexy dance routines are part and parcel for burlesque and for Broadway musicals, NYS has featured musicals from the irreverent and funny to the heart-rending and cathartic. “Book of Mormon” and “Avenue Q” have definitely found a home on our stage, but there's no point in getting naked without showing all of our humanity. Numbers from “Porgy and Bess” and “Kimberly Akimbo” have made audiences cry and gasp as loud as they laughed and hollered.
This year will be no different, and while we can't divulge everything about what this year's show will contain, we can give you a hint:
I'm just a man, a button to push on the street where you live. I dance where words are not enough, so don't rain on my parade. With a little brains and a little talent, I can really show my will power. You're a real sweet thang, in your gabardine and your velveteen, so hot you'll make ‘em burn. Life is a bend and snap, my friend, so we always feature our bosom buddies, and if you're worried about whether we're gonna act up I swear to you that we ain't misbehavin’. (Ok, I kinda gave you that last one.)
We can't wait to meet more theater kids or make theater kids of you.
From the exuberant energy of "Be Italian" to the raw emotion of numbers inspired by "Porgy and Bess," New York Stripped is a celebration of the theater kid within us all. We invite you to join us for a two nights where burlesque and Broadway collide. Whether you're a seasoned theater veteran or simply looking for a fun night out, we think you'll leave with a newfound appreciation for the magic of live performance.
Our seventh annual New York Stripped will play on August 2 - 3 at Metropolitan Studios in East Atlanta Village. It's the big teal house with the three giant pinup girls painted on the side. Just next-door to the post office. Dress for the theatre, and when you get in, grab a drink, snap some photos, talk with a stranger about your favorite musicals! Tickets: Aug 2
Sugar Rush Experience, 8:00 PM entry
Sugar Rush seating is first and second row
Custom branded bag
Candybox Revue collectible
Complimentary drink ticket
Ka-noodling with performers
Photos with performers
General Admission, 8:30 PM entry
Ka-noodling with performers
Photo opportunities
Show 9:00pm on the dot
18+
Ticket holders must present their tickets on entry
No refunds