Where to Watch NYC Burlesque
Burlesque is very much a product of NYC. What we think of today as “burlesque” did originate in Europe in the 1830’s and was more specifically known as “Victorian Burlesque.” It consisted of musicals and operas with very little plot, and very many beautiful girls showing their legs. In the 1830s, showing your legs was extremely scandalous. “Victorian Burlesque” made its way to NYC as early as the 1840’s, and began to take on a life of its own.
NYC burlesque quickly evolved to showcase comedic sketches where the girls were extremely scantily clad. Some might say they bared their souls on stage, and others might say they bared even more. By the early 1900s major burlesque stars began to emerge. Famous NYC burlesque stars included Fanny Brice and Josephine Baker.
However, in the 1930s, NYC mayor Fiorello LaGuardia decided to put an end to burlesque. By the mid-1940s he had essentially succeeded. Going into the 1970s and 1980s, some said women were so scantily clad everywhere that NYC burlesque was just redundant.
Then came the 1990s to rescue NYC burlesque. A resurgence of interest in the archaic artform gave birth to “neo-burlesque.” Today, NYC burlesque is alive and well with many venues for enjoying live performances. Here is where you can watch NYC Burlesque.
Duane Park
Duane Park is an upscale venue and the perfect intro to NYC burlesque. Your Duane Park ticket includes a delicious three-course meal and a two-hour show featuring many of the top burlesque performers in NYC. Duane Park also has classy cocktails for purchase, and is the perfect NYC burlesque venue for a bachelorette party. Duane Park is located at 308 Bowery in Manhattan.
Bathtub Gin
Bathtub Gin is NYC Burlesque mixed with a speakeasy! Located at 132 9th Avenue, you’ll find Bathtub Gin hidden behind a bakery! Bathtub Gin gets its name from the Prohibition Era when liquor was watered down in bathtubs. Tuesdays and Sunday Bathtub Gin offers burlesque shows alongside their craft cocktails and tasty bites. Core performers include NYC burlesque stars Hazel Honeysuckle, Sydni Deveraux, Medianoche, and Nasty Canasta. Every performance, at least one NYC dancer ends up in a bathtub splashing water around the venue. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll be seated in the splash zone!
Company XIV
Company XIV is a NYC burlesque show that whisks you back in time to the court of Louis XIV. This immersive NYC burlesque is an experience that tickles all your senses, with incense wafting through the air, champagne cocktails and absinthe flowing freely, and sensual vocals and amazing acrobatics of artists who also grace stages ranging from Broadway to the Met Opera! For an extra splurge, get a sofa for two. It will be a romantic “not safe for work” date you’ll always cherish. Company XIV usually has two shows playing at the same time. Check out their mainstage at 383 Troutman Street in Bushwick Brooklyn and then Cocktail Magique at 17 Wyckoff Avenue, Bushwick Brooklyn.
The Slipper Room
The Slipper Room is the quintessential venue for NYC neo-burlesque. The Slipper Room is a venue where you can applaud emerging NYC burlesque artists alongside established stars. Every night features a different show. We recommend arriving early, as many “seats” are standing-room-only. The Slipper Room is located at 167 Orchard Street, Manhattan. Before or after a show, explore the yummy and diverse food offerings of the Lower East Side. It’s one of the most magical neighborhoods in the five boroughs.
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