A review on
Skin Tight Outta Sight Rebel Burlesque::
I've seen STOS a few times before, and they're always fun. You can't go there expecting this to be a striptease as you're used to seeing it in strip clubs. Burlesque is about the art of revealing a bit at a time, rather than full frontal nudity. Great time and effort goes into choreography, costumes and plot lines, with an emphasis in some sets on humor, in others on an homage to retro performers, and in others on full on seductiveness.
The troupe consists of a few members, each with their own look and style. From Coco's boootylicious hip shimmying to Anastasia's simmering Betty Page type sexuality, they all bring their own personality to the stage.
As DamondDean mentioned, the MC is a strapping tall lip synching drag queen with a penchant for letting it all hang out, and a wicked way of picking people out of the crowd to harass. I missed seeing Mesmero, the magician who usually does their crowd warm ups, but I imagine he'll be at their future shows.
Burlesque has a wide and
really diverse group of followers. It would be a
perfect date idea for the guys out there who are looking for something fun to do with their wife or girlfriend. It's incredibly women friendly, as well as being sexy and fun. You don't have to worry about your date feeling uncomfortable, as she might in a typical strip club. You could also attend as a solo guy - there are always lots of them there, and you can troll for cute Queen West alterna-art chicks, of which there are usually plenty.
Just don't attend expecting it to be a 'typical' strip club show. The performers aren't model perfect - they're real women - curves, fat and imperfections included. There's no silicone, no faux pouting looks, no floor shows with pink. What you will see, though, are women who are really into their own sexuality, and who have no inhibitions about showing themselves off on stage. It's fun, it's funny, and I never miss a chance to take in a show.
They're performing again on the 17th and the 31st, but there are also a few other Burlesque troupes in the city, and Toronto is becoming a stop on the international burlesque circuit, as well, with talent coming in from as far away as Tokyo and Europe.
Check it out - you just might enjoy it! We'll be the screaming table of rowdy women up front near the stage.
Morgan
