(from bottom left to bottom right) Penny Teller, Marie Curieosity, Right This Way Robbie, Stella Cheeks and Busy Beaver.
by Rock ‘n Roll Ghost
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Marie Curiosity spanks a naughty Bella Canto
Plan 9 Burlesque is a new troupe on the Chicago burlesque scene and, even more specifically, on the Chicago nerd/geek burlesque scene. Plan 9 Burlesque put on what used to be called “variety shows”, but with an emphasis on the burlesque performing. If you’ve never been to a burlesque show before or know absolutely nothing about the art form (or only know the pre-eminent name in the field right now, Dita Von Teese), Plan 9 Burlesque‘s monthly shows might be the way to get initiated.
The troupe’s debut show was September 23rd at the Pub Theatre (on top of Fizz Bar – 3220 North Lincoln Avenue Chicago, IL 60657) and it was a rousing success. The show’s host for the night was Stella Cheeks, who showed off a great amount of “Bat Butt” (Batman panties) and kept things moving with aplomb. She also made putting her clothes on sexy as well. Which is an interesting feat.
Plan 9 kicked things off with Legs Calibur, dressed like Milla Jovovich in The Fifth Element (already pretty sexy imagery), who took off what little she already had on to the delights of the crowd (which was pretty much evenly divided between men and women, just to drive home the reality that this is not a strip club).
The night’s best non-burlesque performer, Rando, the World’s Most Affordable Magician, entertained with seemingly awful magic tricks, a hilarious Austrian/German accent and excellent comic timing when it came to dealing with a member of the studio audience (who was there in a Green Bay Packers jersey). Rando’s best line of the night: “We have more tits than you can shake a stick at. Please don’t shake your stick at them.”
Rando the World’s Most Affordable Magician
Alyson Grauer brought back some 90s nostalgia as she performed Bree Sharp‘s hit song from that decade, “David Duchovny” on ukulele. Grauer came back to play the theme song to Pokemon and Rick Astley‘s “Never Gonna Give You Up” later in the show.
Rammel Chan did a quick bit of stand up comedy and was funny, if a bit green still.
To the tune of The Heavy‘s “Short Change Hero” from the Batman video game Arkham City, Marie Curiosity did a spellbinding transformation from Batman to the Joker in a very snug fitting purple dress. Curiosity’s relaxed way of transforming from hero to villain was particularly compelling considering the intensity and palpable fear she struck as she became the Joker.
Sadie Hotkins had a fabulous turn onstage in a James Bond-themed performance. Hotkins had weapons hidden on her that even Daniel Craig would never find. And by the way, Craig is the best Bond everyone, I think Skyfall will solidify that.
Bella Canto
Taking on the iconic Rocky Horror Picture Show, young ingenue Bella Canto was the biggest delight of the night of the burlesque performers. Performing as “Janet” from the hit play/film, Canto bears a bit of a resemblance to Susan Sarandon (who I still adore), but Canto’s vocal performance on “Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me” was certainly miles better (admittedly Sarandon never claimed to be a great singer). I truly expect big things from Canto in the future. She has the makings of a star.
The audience loved every minute of Plan 9 Burlesque‘s debut show, And Now For Something Completely Sexy, hooting, hollering, clapping and laughing throughout. The fact that Plan 9 put on a variety show is a good thing as it brings back an art form that was thought dead and gives it a new twist, as well as being more inviting to all audiences. But it also separates them from some of the other burlesque troupes out there (you’ll read more about them here in the next week and the weeks following). That’s not a knock on any other troupe – variety is the spice of life after all.
Plan 9 Burlesque‘s next show, Sexy Samhain or An Excuse To Take Our Cosplay Off is at the Pub Theatre on Sunday, October 21st at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advance by visiting the Pub Theatre’s website.
Plan 9 is back for our second Nerdlesque Cabaret! And this time it’s Halloween themed.
Sexy Samhain or An Excuse To Take Our Cosplay Off
Pub Theatre (On Top of Fizz Bar)
Sunday October 21
7:30pm, $15
Hosted by
Right This Way Robbie
Featuring:
Stella Cheeks
Marie Curieosity
Alyson Grauer & Glory Be
Lola Getz
Bella Canto
Rammel Chan
Paris Green
Ellie Gator
Stephanie Hawking
Rando The World’s Most Affordable Magician
Legs Calibur
Hot Tawdry
Diva LaVida
Come in costume to be entered into a raffle for some sweet Plan 9 swag and other nerdtastique gifts. And stay after wards to party at the bar with us!
Official Plan 9 Burlesque Website
I was in the audience for this debut show. I went in with an open mind, but still skeptical on good this show could have been. Since this show, I have gone to other performances of PLAN 9s cast members Marie Curiosity, Stella Cheeks, and Bella Canto. The encore performance of the debut show was at the Underground Bar on Clark St. which was just as impressive. In the short time that I have been going to these Burlesque shows, these women are definitely “THROWBACKS” to the day of what a sexy performance should be. Any girl can take her clothes off and walk on a stage between 2 poles, but get a woman who can actually sing, dance, and hold your attention the whole time is worth more than the price of admission. So quit sitting in front of the computer screen, and experience the best that life has to offer. October 21st, Pub Theater, and have some fun.