Adelaide Fringe. Rebecca Castaldini. 18 Feb 2017
Burlesque, traditional or neo Burlesque, succeeds on the basis of how the reveal is framed in performance. It is a delicate art of teasing and pleasing an audience in such a way that the cocktail of sensuality, lust, and a lingering tint of invigorating romance is in perfect balance.
The Redheaded Cabaret: Rated R(ed) is a smashing demonstration of Burlesque, traditional and beyond. The crew of Redheaded hotties assembled by Rebecca Castaldini give up a sensational series of solo and group fantasy scenarios presented with top notch production values from costume to staging, all grounded firmly in a ‘less is more’ approach. Spiced with superb performance technique, this was an evening to totally revel in.
From black robed, lustful, sirens seeking the heart of an audience member (featuring black crucifix nipple pasties) to Sirena del Rossi’s ardent soaking wet murder ballad in motion, the production constantly kept hearts pumping.
Providing calming levity in between numbers, MC Miss Demeanour offered delightful chatter and song.
Humour too, was abundantly on show. Numbers featuring male ensemble member L’Homme Blayze successfully played off a two for one approach; one for girls, one for the boys utilising conventions of slapstick perfectly suited to his routine.
When it comes to the ‘neo’ in Burlesque, just how brilliantly this company play it can be judged by comparing Dulce Esperanza’s spot on perfect traditional double feather fan dance, with out-off-this-world routine’s from Sirena del Rossa, Miss Harlot Rose and Laveene Du Pearl.
These redheads are definitely worth seeing anywhere, anytime.
David O’Brien
Where: Nexus Arts
When: 18 to 24 Feb
Bookings: adelaidefringe.com.au
