What's old is new in NYC, at least when it comes to the entertainment form known as burlesque. These variety show-style performances (with some skin shown as well), were quite popular from the 1860s to the 1940s. Often presented in lively cabarets, clubs, and theatres, the shows featured the art of the female striptease coupled with bawdy comedy. In recent years, several burlesque troupes have debuted in Manhattan to reboot the art form. We've got the best burlesque in New York—guaranteed to make for a fun night out.
Burlesque in NYC: East Village
D20/Facebook
Founded by Anja Keister in 2011, D20 Burlesque presented Keister with a creative venue for her to perform acts that were a bit too obscure for traditional shows. True visionaries, Keister and her co-producer Z.P. Keister, believed that the burlesque scene lacked a show that catered to the gamer crowd. Its first show explored the theme of role-playing games. Other topics have included board games, video games, and even internet memes. D20 can often be found at the Parkside Lounge in downtown Manhattan. d20burlesque.com
Burlesque in NYC: NoHo
Duane Park website
Duane Park is an upscale American venue that presents live music and burlesque performances in an elegant turn-of-the-century dining room. An enticing menu of craft cocktails and seasonal fare can also be found here. Weekend performances include The Plume Review, which presents a show of smoking-hot jazz and sultry burlesque along with dinner. There’s also a tap dancing troubadour, and sexy sirens that croon songs that date back seven decades. Another show, TeaseohhhRama, presents a bawdy taste of the Bowery of yesteryear. Part theater coupled with cabaret, burlesque, and some variety, TeaseohhhRama combines a live band and 3-course meal. As the chandelier dims, a lineup of beauties take center stage to strut their stuff. Spectators can watch the dancers work their magic on the pole or witness entertainers spinning 27 hula-hoops in an artistic (and athletic) dance. duaneparknyc.com
Burlesque in NYC: East Village
Naughty Noir’s themed burlesque shows are the creative vision of performer/producer Puss-N-Boots and costume designer/producer Alison Weintraub. Held at Three of Cups Lounge, an iconic Manhattan’s rock 'n' roll bar, Naughty Noir's entertaining burlesque shows are presented the second Thursday of each month. DJs spin a mix of sounds that complement the evening’s theme, reinforced by sexy go-go performers. Three of Cups.
Burlesque in NYC: Lower East Side
The Slipper Room photo by Aurora Black/flickr
The Slipper Room debuted in 1999 when neo-burlesque was in its infancy. As the venue’s reputation evolved, performers from destinations worldwide often showed up to entertain when they were in the Big Apple. A host of different variety shows can be enjoyed here from burlesque to sideshows to circus-like revelry. The theatre also created its own touring company and took the show on the road around the United States and to Europe. The Slipper Room presents an array of great bands that entertain crowds before the show starts. slipperroom.com
Burlesque in NYC: Citywide
Renowned for its sexy fusion of contemporary striptease and top-tier variety, Wasabassco mingles retro-glam with sophistication and lots of quirky humor. As showman, impresario, and emcee, the show’s lead producer Doc is a proponent of style and presents a high level of professionalism. His style celebrates the risqué and always presents an element of surprise, which is never shocking or crass. His vision is to create entertainment events that are sexy, amusing, and “ridiculous,” and which transcend and redefine genres. Wasabassco’s shows were labeled “One of the Top 10 Best Burlesque Shows in the World” by Travel Channel, and are hosted at various venues in Manhattan and beyond. wasabassco.com
