BIO:
Bustout Burlesque, the renowned New Orleans 1950s-style burlesque program, returns for a two-show engagement this Saturday at the House of Blues on Decatur Street. Under the direction of creator/producer Rick Delaup, the shows will include performances by nationally acclaimed burlesque acts Miss Stormy Gayle, Athena, GoGo McGregor as well as the debut of Bourbon Street’s infamous “Evangeline the Oyster Girl” act. Bustout Burlesque performances, which aim to recreate the glamorous cabaret atmosphere of the original burlesque houses of the 20th century, entice audiences with sensuous dancers, comedic emcees and traditional New Orleans jazz music by the Bustout Burlesque Jazz Band.
Saturday’s bill marks the official debut of the new incarnation of Evangeline the Oyster Girl, as performed by acclaimed burlesque dancer Ginger Valentine. One of the most famous Bourbon Street burlesque routines of the past century, “Evangeline the Oyster Girl” was originally performed in the 1940s by Kitty West, who has since passed the torch on to Miss Valentine after witnessing the renewed interest in burlesque-style dance and entertainment.
As the original Evangeline, Ms. West garnered widespread attention with her routine, in which she rose from a giant oyster shell and danced with a giant pearl. She has actively participated in helping Miss Valentine craft her routine and will be on hand at the event to meet fans as well as sign autographs.
Billed as one of the “Top 10 Burlesque Shows in the World” by the Travel Channel in 2012, Bustout Burlesque premiered at One Eyed Jacks in 2005 after nearly 15 years of research by Delaup into the history of New Orleans burlesque. Since then, the program has held various residences at many venues both in New Orleans as well as abroad, including the Royal Sonesta, Tipitina’s French Quarter and the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Many of the dancers who have appeared over the years have gone on to win some of the top burlesque awards in the country, including Miss Valentine — the winner of the “Queen of Burlesque” award in 2011.
Bustout Burlesque will return to the House of Blues (225 Decatur Street in the French Quarter) on Saturday, February 15 with performances at 8 and 10:30 p.m. Tickets for the event, $22 and up, can be purchased at the box office or online through LiveNation.
|
