Sat 8/23 @ 8PM
Bella Sin, the founder and leader of northeast Ohio burlesque troupe Le Femme Mystique, is not just the area’s biggest promoter of the new burlesque scene, which is flourishing around the country. She’s also an avid historian of the art form. That’s the reason she celebrates Cleveland’s burlesque past with the annual Roxy Remembered, honoring the downtown theater where all the legends performed.
One of those legends will be the special guest performer at this year’s 5th iteration of Roxy Remembered at the Beachland Ballroom. Detroit’s “Satin Doll” Toni Elling, now in her 80s, was a star in the ’60s and early ’70s, one of the rare African-Americans who rose to the top of the burlesque heap. She hung out with stars like Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis Jr. and Duke Ellington, whom she paid tribute to in her stage name.
As usual, Sin has assembled an intriguing group of performers to augment her regulars — Doll Bambino, Eliza Sidecar, belly dancer Mahsitti Jade and herself. Lushes LaMoan is also coming from Detroit, and Daphne Dangerfield and Charlotte (Slim) Pastie will do a tap duet, with Pastie doing some ballet as well.
One thing that makes this show really stand out is that all the dancers will be doing their things to live music performed by Cleveland cabaret artists Miss Alexandra Huntingdon and the Gentleman’s Intermission. Their diverse moods — swinging from humor to pathos to sentimentality — should easily adapt to the different styles on stage.
The event will be hosted by regular Femme Mystique emcee Abby Downton as the Top Banana and Ken Schneck as the Straight Man. Tickets are $17 in advance, $20 at the door.
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Cleveland, OH 44110