BY DOMINIQUE WALD
CLARKSTON – Audience members will have a spot on the naughty list this holiday season as Abuzz Theatre Company brings out the second volume of its burlesque show, opening Friday night. The theater’s first volume of its burlesque show debuted on Valentine’s day last year and sold out every performance, Director Torok Lewis said. After several ideas for holiday-themed productions fell through, Lewis decided to bring back the excitement with “A Very Naughty X-mas Burlesque.”
Lewis said although there isn’t anything necessarily surprising about burlesque, in that it’s a performing art based on honesty, audience members are in for a unique treat.
“A Very Naughty X-mas Burlesque” follows a variety show format that includes 23 acts performed by 13 women and four men. Cast members will take turns emceeing the show and interacting with the audience. The show will feature dancing, singing, comical acts and striptease artists performing a range of different styles of music and performance art.
“People can expect to be entertained, wowed, enchanted and be in disbelief that they are in Clarkston seeing one of the most amazing shows they have ever seen,” Lewis said. The show, which is for audience members 18 and older, is rated R but stays within the Washington state guidelines for this particular type of entertainment.
“No private parts or butt cracks will be seen on either female or male performers,” Lewis said.
The show, Lewis said, is a departure from the types of performing arts the valley has been exposed to.
Until last February, burlesque had not been done in the region at all. Lewis said he recognizes that people in the area are always looking for entertaining things to do and see, making burlesque a perfect opportunity for those who want to try something new.
“Cities all over the world perform burlesque,” Lewis said. “Variety is the spice of life. Without spices, everything is bland and tasteless.”
“A Very Naughty X-mas Burlesque” will run through Dec. 20 with showings on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
If you go What: “A Very Naughty X-mas Burlesque” When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, show runs through Dec. 20 with showings at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 5 p.m. Sundays. Where: Abuzz Theatre Company, 909 Sixth St., Clarkston Cost: Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at www.abuzztheatre.com
