August Frank/Inland 360
Performers in the Color of Burlesque show at Brock’s Smirking Goat in Lewiston pose for a photo.
The “Colors of Burlesque” show opening June 9 at Brock’s Smirking Goat in Lewiston has something for everyone (21 and older), with a variety of dance styles set to Latin, pop, pride anthems, country, jazz and ’80s music.
Burlesque is sexy, but it’s not as much striptease as vaudeville, the show’s organizers said, with more than a splash of humor running through it.
“It’s much closer to theater,” Brock’s owner and bartender Kris Maxey explained before a recent rehearsal.
The shows at Maxey’s establishment, produced by Lewiston’s Umbrella Dance Productions, typically sell out.
Lewiston Civic Theatre actor Cooper Knutson, of Clarkston, participating in the burlesque show for the first time, said audience members new to the art form should “come with an open mind.”
“I would say throw out whatever you think you know about burlesque shows, cabaret shows,” Knutson said. “Even with my theatrical experience, this isn’t what I expected at all.” From a performer’s perspective, there was a certain amount of anxiety going into it, he said, but that began to melt away as the performances came together. “It’s a safe space here for an audience member and performer alike,” Knutson said.
Doors open at 6 p.m. for the 8 p.m. performances Friday and Saturday and June 16-17 at Brock’s Smirking Goat, 504 Main St. Tickets, at bit.ly/BrocksBurlesque, are $20-$45, with VIP tables starting at $250 that include front-row seating, one round of drinks and an appetizer for the table.
