Black Diamond Burlesque Troupe. (photo by Matthew Holler)

Cabaret, striptease call it what you like, burlesque is sexy.  I never had the urge to go to  a show, but a friend of mine asked me to go with him to see Black Diamond Burlesque at McCurdy’s Comedy Club. I have to say, I really enjoyed it!

Individual performers take the stage in titillating costumes performing a choreographed routine. Performers sing, dance or even lip sync to music with one goal in mind, tease the audience while removing articles of clothing. At the end of the performance they strip down to the bare minimum with nothing but sexy stockings, garter belts, lace panties and tassels covering their nipples.

All shapes and sizes are involved in the show with mostly all women. At first I was wondering why they had a man in the show, I thought it was all women. After seeing him play the harmonica, I can see why earned a spot on stage and no, he didn’t strip but almost made me want to!

One of my favorite acts titled speed dating is performed by Producer and Co-Founder; Laura Daniel Gale aka Lady LaLa and one other person. She made me laugh, It was very apropos, being we were at a comedy club venue.

Co-Founder and Producer Lady LaLa (Photo by Matthew Holler)

Miss Petite Coquette performs with a sparkling crescent moon that was much taller than she. Virginia Hughes, the troupe leader is every bit of petite like her name states allowing her to sit on her prop and rock back and forth ending her act. She is sassy and is one of my favorite performers.

Miss Petite Coquette during one of her acts. (photo by Matthew Holler)

The only part of the show that got me out of my chair for a restroom break was when Vixen St. James; Mistress of Ceremonies sang. She is wonderful at keeping the audience engaged and introducing acts, but singing is not her forte.

Performers assign themselves stage names  to add to the allure like Mademoiselle Rowdy Pants, Titty Titty Bang Bang, Salty Cheri, Lotta Luv, Gypsy Allure,Candy Muldune, Titty Bella, Mina Munro and Top Hat Dave. With names like that, who wouldn’t be intrigued?

Vincent Voyeur otherwise known as the handsome Matthew Holler, official photographer for the troupe was called to the stage at the end of the evening by Laura Daniel Gale. She announced Holler would be leaving the troupe to head to New York City. “You made us look better than we deserve to. The entire troupe thanks you and loves you,” Gale says during her farewell speech for Hollar. Everyone wishes you well Mr. Holler.

Matthew Holler (Photo by Laura Daniel Gale)

I had a fabulous time and would recommend going to a show when the opportunity presents itself.  Bump and Gring Playhouse is the next show scheduled for April 20th check out their website BlackDiamondBurlesque.com to see events schedules, read their blog, ticket information, browse the photographs and to meet the cast.