Atomic Bombshells a blast on opening night

Atomic Bombshells a blast on opening night

by Jessica Price - SGN A&E Writer THE ATOMIC BOMBSHELLS APRIL 1 THE TRIPLE DOOR Opening nights are always extra-special. There's a little more electricity and anticipation in the air, a hint of nerves mixed with a bit of mystery. Last week's debut of Nightfall in New Orleans, an all-new revue by local burlesque stars The Atomic Bombshells, was a much-anticipated affair. The Triple Door has hosted these headlining honeys many times before, but this evening was unique. Billed as a love letter to their hometown of New Orleans, the ladies (and two gents) promised brand-spanking-new numbers in which to strut their stuff. The first set was introduced by dashing host Jasper McCann, who returned to his trademark banter with the audience (rather than singing each intro as he did for their last Triple Door event). It's a good thing, too, as McCann is at his absolute best when he's informally teasing. Immediately, the unmistakably southern sound of cicadas filled the air, while the curtain rose on a street sign pointing to the intersection of "Atomic" and "Bourbon." Opening numbers traditionally feature the entire cast, and the somber-turned-celebratory "Jazz Funeral" brought everyone out for a little taste of what was to come. It was a bombastic opener that kicked things off to a jazzy, undeniably New Orleans-style start. During the set change, McCann and an old friend of The Bombshells, torch singer-diva Coco Bellisimo, dueted on "Do You Know What It Means?", an homage to the Crescent City. Next came one of the troupe's most skilled dancers, Lily Vanderloo, as a hothouse Southern Belle in "Summertime." Removing her layers of petticoats while languidly fanning herself in an old-fashioned chair, Lily was sultry and lascivious. To lighten things up, "Bare Witness to Fitness" followed, featuring one of my favorite Bombshells, Fanny N' Flames. She's the tall, lovely redhead with the booming body. This scene found her strapping herself into an old-fashioned "shake machine" and vibrating her bottom with the most amused of expressions while Ivy, Honey, and Ruby looked on. Overall, this revue was a touch more naughty than others in recent memory & but just a touch. These girls have so much class, it's more erotic playfulness than anything else. Miss Indigo Blue channeled the influential Wild Cherry in a sexually charged dance called "Temptation," and a clever interpretation of "A Streetcar Named Desire" featured Kitten La Rue and Jasper McCann passionately pawing at each other. I've never seen the group pay such a theatrical tribute before, and it was extremely well choreographed and received a huge round of applause. Waxie Moon, also a professionally schooled dancer, appears with the girls regularly. This time around, Moon's talents were featured as more of a center of his own numbers, putting the focus squarely on his talents - as he deserves. It's not easy to wear pasties and a mustache with style and grace, but Moon pulls it off. Doll-faced Kitten La Rue closed the show with a phenomenal tribute to her idol Kitty West's classic "Oyster Girl," climbing daintily from a giant oyster shell to play with - what else? - a giant pearl. Although opening night was not without a few barely noticeable wardrobe malfunctions, these ladies managed to pull things off without missing a beat. For a second I had to marvel at Ivy's ability to wriggle out of a full length skirt and stilts while beginning to swing in time with the music. There's so much heart and respect put into every little tease. The Atomic Bombshells, though New Orleans transplants, have become stars of Seattle nightlife. They offer something really quite exceptional: top-notch entertainment that wows the crowd, but never loses site of the artistry behind the tease. There is already quite a bit of buzz about these girls in the burlesque circuit around the country, but they've managed to amp things up with well-executed themes such as "Nightfall." The girls are talented, lovely, and spectacular performers who really understand pacing and give die-hard burlesque fans their money's worth. Going to see them is thrilling because they are sharp and professional. What's more, they are sexy, and a joy to watch. Every time I see the Bombshells, I'm inspired to live my life with just a little bit more glamour. They can make any girl or boy step outside and see the world with starrier eyes. Don't miss The Atomic Bombshells as they start a brief residency at Seattle's historic Vaudeville venue, the Columbia City Theater, every Saturday night beginning May 31. (For tickets and directions to the Theater, see www.columbiacitytheater.com). Also, check out fabulous pictures of the girls in action on their MySpace page.

Prelude hits all the right notes

by Rajkhet Dirzhud-Rashid - SGN A&E Writer Prelude To A Kiss Directed by David Hsieh Starring Trevor Marston, Aaron Washington Toni Rose, Camille Barrera, Eloisa Cardona, J.P. Giulotti Marc Powell, Maydene Pang, Allen Go, Richard Hesik Austin Anderson, Margareta Lantz, Agatya Hohli Through April 20 Back in 1994, I was thrilled at the energy of two actors who were playing lovers, then spouses in Craig Lucas' Prelude To a Kiss, put on by Re-Act Theatre Company. I was just as thrilled watching it last weekend at Theatre Off Jackson, played by a completely different cast. In fact, I have to say I might have been even happier with this new production, which zips along with a lively and believable charm that had the whole audience on the edge of their seats. There was one odd moment, however, when two of the male characters were about to kiss - one of them is actually the other's spouse in another body, keep reading - and a few audience members made groaning noises. Guess they weren't from Seattle, or at least not from Capitol Hill. Other than that strange note, the play - which plays as both a comedy and at times a bit of a mystery drama - crackled with the kind of life that makes one forget there's a stage with actors on it. Peter and Rita (Trevor Marston and Toni Rose) meet, have much in common, including liking the same books and having had some of the same experiences, and start dating. This becomes more serious and pretty soon vows are being exchanged. Ah, but on their wedding day, a stranger shows up, an old man (Richard Hesik) who no one seems to know, kisses the bride, and then things really get interesting. On their honeymoon, Peter starts to wonder if Rita is really the same person he fell in love with, and friction between them grows, until by the time they get back things have deteriorated to where the marriage is floundering. Re-enter the same old man, only he's very different this time, much more like the Rita Peter originally met. And pretty soon, there's a showdown between this "body thief" and the real Rita, bringing everything back to normal, but not before some most interesting lessons about love, and gratitude for life are taught to the couple. A delight of a play that should please everyone, particularly if you're a romantic like yours truly here. For tickets and times call (206) 364-3283, or go to www.reacttheatre.org. Don't miss this wonderful show, or you'll really be kicking yourself.