Show dates and reviews from the burlesque scene in Chicago.
The past few years have seen a revival of burlesque as an art form across America. I'm not talking about about lap dances in strip clubs, but rather variety stage shows, some of them quite elaborate, featuring striptease as part of the mix. Troupes have popped up in cities everywhere including, I am happy to say, Chicago. On this humble page, I try to cover burlesque in my city as completely as I can. If you wish to submit a review or are aware of upcoming shows that I have not listed, please at burlesque at this domain. Now read on, then go see a show!
Ray's Guide can come to you! or send an email with the word "subscribe" in the subject to burlesque at this domain. I will send out email notices once or twice a month to alert you to upcoming shows and events. I maintain the list manually and will remove you immediately on request.
Reviews of Past Shows
Belmont Burlesque updated 5/23/04
Intimate, funny, and at times poignant. Highly recommended. Read review.
An Evening at the Stone Burlesk reviewed 3/15/07
An interesting and fun recreation of the heyday of the Stone Burlesk Theater in Detroit, MI. Read review.
Dante's Voodoo Cabaret reviewed 5/21/04
Not a burlesque show, strictly speaking, but a concert by a local burlesque performer/singer and her band, along with a bit of striptease fun. Read review.
Flirt Cabaret updated 6/14/05
New production is more of a song and dance revue than a burlesque show, and doesn't generate a lot of excitement. Read review.
Fluffgirl Burlesque reviewed 10/4/05 in the Rantings A touring show that fell a bit flat. Read review.
Girlie-Q Variety Hour updated 3/29/07
An enjoyable evening of spoken word, performance art, and burlesque. Highly recommended. Read review.
Gurlesque Burlesque reviewed 7/24/04
A burlesque tour de force packed with over 20 acts. Future shows are a must-see for any burlesque fan. Read review.
Hellcat Hussies updated 5/19/05
They put "the ass back in sass." Their 2004 production needed improvement, but they have turned in some fun performances since then. Read review.
Kit Kat Honeys reviewed 3/23/04
A song and dance revue in fishnets. Read review.
Lavender Cabaret's Church of the Lavender Day Saints reviewed 8/10/04 in the Rantings Sacreligious and sexy...a fun combination. Read review.
Lavender Cabaret's FemmeTV updated 5/19/05
Slick and sexy, with lots of laughs. Highly recommended. Read review.
Star and Garter Burlesque reviewed 10/6/06
Striptease and stand-up comedy done right. Highly recommended. Read review.
Suicide Girls reviewed 2/19/04 in the Rantings Astonishingly lame. Read review.
Upcoming Shows as of 7/24/09
Belmont Burlesque - Saturday Night, July 25, 12am, tickets $10 - The Playground - 3209 N Halstead - 773.871.3793
The Girlie-Q Variety Hour at the Naked July Festival - Fridays & Saturdays, July 3 - August 1, Midnight - National Pastime Theater4139 N. Broadway
Vaudezilla presents Broadzilla! The Burlesque Beast - Friday, July 31, Shows at 10pm and 1am, FREE - Exit - 1315 W North Ave - 773.395.2700
MORE TO COME...UPDATE IN PROGRESS
Current Weekly Shows
Vaudezilla presents Red, White & Boobs Bartop Burleque - Thursdays, 10pm, FREE - The Blue Bayou - 3764 N Southport Ave - 773.871.3300
Annoyance Productions presents Late Night Tit-Bits, burleque themed improv, Nick - Saturdays, 10:00pm, tickets $15 by web or at 773.561.4665 - The Annoyance - 4840 N. Broadway
Local Troupes and Resources
Belmont Burlesque Revue
Lavender Cabaret
Girlie-Q Productions
Gurlesque Burlesque
Eve's Parlor Burlesque
Varietease Cabaret
Flesh Tones Burlesque
Prissy Bitch Productions
Vaudezilla Productions
The Flaming Dames
Ripettes Burlesque New!
RIP: Hellcat Hussies, Flirt Cabaret, Kit Kat Honeys, Peekaboo Revue
Local Performers
Angela Eve
Backdoor Aly
Ms Bea Haven
Bloody Belle (sigh...moved to NY)
Cherish - Burlesque Goddess
Dante
Michelle L'amour - Miss Exotic World 2005!
Paris Green
Red Hot Annie
Miss Tamale aka Minxy McVixen
Dominique Trixx
Miss vonLivid
Miss Vivian Velvet
Miss Holly Wouldn't
Frenchie Kiss
Fanny Tastic
Deirdre Doll
Mimi First
Kitty Victorian New!
Out-of-Town Performers I Have Enjoyed
Miss Dirty Martini - Miss Exotic World 2004
Miss Indigo Blue
Fancy Chance
The Swedish Housewife
Mr Murray Hill
Immodesty Blaize
Other Links
Michelle L'amour has been hosting a net radio show on Monday evenings: In Bed with Michelle L'amour
Claire De Lune, aka Meredith Miller, was recently interviewed by Centerstage.
Read about Michelle L'amour at Gapers Block, and hear an interview with her and Frankie from Tuesday, 9/20/05, on Chicago Public Radio's Eight Forty-Eight.
In June of 2004, Chicago Public Radio's Eight Forty-Eight aired a program on burlesque that included a brief interview with me. Listen here.
Another Chicago-area burlesque fan: Mark's Bettie Page
Jo Wheldon aka Jo Boobs