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Written by Francis Scudellari
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Friday, 16 October 2009 20:45 |
 By K.D. Hopkins
Last Sunday, I ventured over to Portage Park to see a preview of “Vaudezilla’s Monster Burlesque Academy.” This is going to be a howling good time. The show is taking place in the historic Portage Theater (4050 N Milwaukee Ave.), which presents art house movies and concerts in a grand setting. The theater also stood in for the Biograph in the film “Public Enemies.” It is a great place for live shows as well.
Ann Weinert, aka Red Hot Annie, and her partner Dick Dijon produce Vaudezilla. They have put together a treat for adults only with a modern spin on the art of burlesque, and a nice dose of Gothic spookiness.
You can look forward to Miss Barrett All doing a spicy take on Hannibal the Cannibal Lechter. Miss Carnal Calamity will dazzle you with her artistic prowess.
The Revelletes will put on a hysterical and yet sexy take on the schlock classic “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes” with a ghoulish dose of the Andrews Sisters. They are a 1960s style go-go troupe according to Jacki Sinclair. They have honed their dance moves at the Joel Hall dance space and are ready to dazzle.
I really liked Miss Viva La Muerte’s Crypt Keeper freak-out to Megadeth. The music choices reminded me of the theatrical quality of classic heavy metal music.
The show is sprinkled with other dark treats such as Jason the Werewolf who is an operatic quality singer. His song “There is No Candy Here” both frightened and delighted.
You will get a kick out of Mr. Tricky Ol’ Puss. He is a magician who does a crazy gospel-like rap to accompany his sleight-of-hand. I can’t give away too much but I highly recommend this show if you want to step outside the box this Halloween.
The grand lobby of the Portage Theater will be a bazaar of goodies and prizes from various sponsors including local merchant Early 2 Bed.
The Date is October 31. The time is 10pm sharp. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. To order or for more information go to http://vaudzilla.com/halloween.htm It’s going to be a scream!
For those more reserved but who still like to have a swinging great time, I am recommending the beautiful sounds of Nocturne. This is an acappela group comprised of local Rogers Park talent.
Michael Scott Brooks, Brian Harder, and Joe Savino are the talented trio that will knock your socks off with their smooth and soulful swing sound. The music is a trip back in time to cabaret entertainment, which is thankfully making a great comeback.
It’s another adult pleasure where people go to listen to the music and enjoy the evening. The Nocturne Trio is appearing for two nights at Club 3160 Piano and Cabaret. It is located at 3160 N. Clark Street in Chicago.
Catch them October 17 and 24 from 9pm to 1am. Admission is free with a two-drink minimum. For more information on the performances go to: http://myspace.com/nocturnetrio
It is time to get out of the blahs and stop participating in all of this recession anxiety. You deserve a great time with some great music and these guys are both. See you in the nightlife! |
