BWW Reviews: Slipper Room in Exile: Viva's Cabaret At Joe's Pub

NYC's landmark speakeasy The Slipper Room is currently closed down for some summer renovations. So, instead of roaming the streets in their tassels and fish-nets, the resident burlesque and cabaret performers have decided to head a bit further uptown to Joe's Pub and establish "The Slipper Room In Exile" series. The revue is lead by guitarist Viva DeConcini and her six-piece band. Viva's Downtown Cabaret (or "Rock & Roll Burlesque") features a populist blend of satire, performance art, and classic striptease all performed to Viva's rhythm heavy rock originals, interspersed with covers of classic rock tunes. James Habacker plays the role of MC, and each act
features numbers by Lady Rizo, World Famous "Bob," Taylor Mac, and Darlinda Just Darlinda.

On the whole, Viva and her band carry the show with their fabulous horn section and some guitar shredding. They are the glue that keeps the revue together, accompanying the performers and keeping the crowd up between sets. Viva's energy is contagious, and her band of young musicians work very well together.

The burlesque and cabaret performers each bring a different element to the revue. Darlinda Just Darlinda delivers the mandatory burlesque nudity, complete with tassel twirling. Lady Rizo brings in the laughs with her witty banter and popular music covers (Gaga's ‘Poker Face" set to an upbeat polka is a major audience pleaser.) Taylor Mac makes out with half the men in the audience delivering on our need for some outrageous behavior.

James Habacker struggles a bit with his MC role, flicking his hand nervously as he delivers stiff shtick to a tough audience. At certain points it is difficult to interpret if he is telling a joke or just
sharing information; however, a few well-timed quips do deliver some much needed laughter and applause.

While the show itself is an overall enjoyable experience, it is evident that the series would feel more natural if performed at The Slipper Room. Right from the start Viva tells the audience that the
show has been cleaned up for its move uptown, and there is no denying that this scrubbing process has eliminated most of the dirty fun. Ultimately the problem is that there is no such thing as PG 13 burlesque, and if there is then it shouldn't be called burlesque at all. And while, yes, there is some nudity, it is not free from the looming shadow of a "keep it clean" warning. The performers often find themselves apologizing for slipped up swear words, much like counselors having a conversation with some underage campers.

If you are on the hunt for some dirty fun, you may want to wait for the re-opening of The Slipper Room, where these performers can flex their muscles without a short leash. But if you are the sort who is interested in just a bit of an edge with less of the flesh and wildness, then this series would be ideal for some sassy entertainment alongside a few cocktails.