The Flaming Dames bite into the Windy City

Chicago IL- On September 25th, The Flaming Dames, Chicago’s premier concept burlesque troupe, are back to drain audiences dry and leave them screaming for more in their highly anticipated annual Halloween offering, and this time it’s a sequel: Vamp II. The wickedly sexy Veruca Venom, Scarlett Night, Fiona Fang, Missy Massacre, and Stella Strange return to sink their teeth into the night and become vicious blood sucking vampires hell bent on teasing and titillating rabid fans through the witching hour. And back in the fold to help lighten the mood are the Masters of Ceremony Mr. Vampire and Ms. Zombie bringing their signature comedy ‘stylings’ incorporating some of the scariest things since Joan Rivers. Halloween season’s getting started in Chicago, and The Flaming Dames in Vamp II will remind those who come out, just why you should be afraid of the dark.



The Flaming Dames in Vamp II marks the 13th production since 2003 for the venerable Chicago troupe and their fourth with a horror theme. In recent years the Dames have wowed audiences with the enormously successful Bump & Grindhouse, Hell’s Belles, and Vamp revues. "The concentration in Vamp II has definitely been on the choreography,” says Music Manager and contributing Choreographer Meagan Piccochi. “We’ve assembled some incredible talent that will be showcased.”

“Since the first Vamp in 2005, we’ve been taking it to the next level each year, pushing the envelope as far as possible,” explains Writer, Director, and Flaming Dames creator Leslie Kerrigan. Describing the attraction to horror-themed revues, Kerrigan adds, “there is something extremely compelling about the energy and chemistry generated by horror-themed burlesque that we’ve been able to harness.”

"I have a massive vampire obsession, so I am ecstatic to share that dark, sensual character with our fantastic audiences,” describes Ellen Domonkos, who plays a dual role as both choreographer and cast member.

The Flaming Dames in Vamp II is just one half of New Millennium Theatre Company's seasonal fun with the world premiere of Plans 1 Through 8 From Outer Space opening concurrently down the street at National Pastime Theater. NMTC have become the go-to ghouls for raising Halloween spirits on Chicago’s north side in recent years with the Flaming Dames’ continued success and stage productions including The Texas Chainsaw Musical, Manos: Rock Opera of Fate, Hack Slash: Stage Fright, and Evil Dead: The Musical.

The Flaming Dames in Vamp II runs Friday nights at 10:15 pm, September 25 through October 30 at The Spot, 4437 N. Broadway in Chicago. There will be no performance on Friday October 9. Special Halloween performances on Saturday, October 31st at 7:45 pm and 10:15 pm. Advance tickets are $15 and can be purchased at www.nmtchicago.org or reserved by calling 312-458-9083. Half price tickets available at www.goldstar.com while supplies last. Limited tickets are available at the door.

I had the opportunity to speak with this EXTREMELY talented bunch... and wow! I love thier passion, energy and drive to do what they do! Stay tuned for the follow up interview to come! If you are in the Chicago area, you NEED to stay up with this group and see this show!

Cheers!

Vivienne

All the way from Las Vegas - DUSTY SUMMERS!!!!

For all of you that have gotten to know me, you know that I am a total burlesque nerd - I love to read about the history of burlesque, I read constantly about shows and stars all over the globe, shoot, I even follow a bunch of burlyq folks and businesses on my Twitter. I get so excited and nervous when I meet one of my idols - when I met Michelle L'Amour back in March I almost cried, and I'm surprised that I could talk to her without stammering! Well, here is another one of those moments - I have the distinct pleasure and honor of interviewing none other than the Nude Magician herself, Dusty Summers! I can't express how lucky I feel to have such an honor! Read on to hear about the way burlesque was, her career, and some GREAT tips for anyone who wants to learn the biz.



1.) Tell us a little about your burlesque career as the Nude Magician!

I started as a bikini go go girl in about 1966 in Phoenix, AZ. Less than a year later, I was doing my first strip in a theatre in downtown Phoenix that was trying to revive burlesque! Chris Starr, a burlesque queen from the 50’s, was the choreographer and gave me the name Dusty. In the next few years I worked mostly as a topless go go dancer who also did a strip tease which made me unique at the time.

Eventually, I got an agent and became a full time exotic. When I was booked into Surfside Seven in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, I met and later married the comic/magician Professor Turban. He taught me magic.

In about 1975 I was booked in the Royal Las Vegas in Las Vegas in a show called “Olde Tyme Burlesque.” In the years following I worked in several showrooms in Las Vegas when I wasn’t touring the rest of the country and Canada.

In 1983 I opened my own burlesque club Dusty’s West in San Angelo, Texas. In 1992 I left the entertainment world and went to work at Circus Circus in Las Vegas, first as a dealer, then as a pit boss.

I also wrote and published two books; The Lady is a Stripper/ Memoirs of Las Vegas’ Only Nude Magician, and The Golden G-String and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.


Photo taken at 2009 Miss Exotic World, by Ed Barnas

2.) How has burlesque changed, from your point of view?

Shows are MUCH shorter and the girls are performing much less frequently. Very few are earning a living in burlesque.

3.) The burlesque scene has soared in popularity in recent years, with movies, books and celebrities like Dita von Teese representing our culture. Do you feel that the standards have had to change for performers, to meet the popularity?

I think audiences nowadays expect immediate gratification. They don’t have the patience for the slow tease of the old days. Most young people don’t know the difference between burlesque and lap dancing but I think that as they are exposed to the glamour, tease, fun and entertainment of today’s enthusiastic, talented burlesque performers they will want more.



4.) Describe one of the best moments in your burlesque career, and one of your most challenging.

There have been many great moments during my burlesque career including starring in my own show on the Strip in Las Vegas, touring this country, performing in Canada (where the audiences are fantastic) and performing at my first Exotic World event in 2006. It is fun reconnecting with the women I worked with long ago. I love meeting the new stars of today’s burlesque scene and seeing them perform.
It is challenging to try to put on a show today that justifies the admiration of the neo burlesque crowd. I could never have imagined years ago that I would be performing again in burlesque at my age!

5.) What is your involvement currently in burlesque?

So far it has been limited to appearances at Exotic World in Las Vegas and the Boston Burlesque Expo in Boston but I am planning on performing in Los Angeles with Lili VonSchtupp sometime this fall and most likely in various Texas venues. I would like to perform in more of the burlesque festivals around the country if I can afford it. I really enjoy sharing my experiences with today’s performers and helping them when I can.

6.) What advice would you give to today’s burlesque performers?

Enjoy yourself onstage. When or if it isn’t fun anymore, QUIT! Keep it classy and keep smiling.

Thank you so much Dusty for sharing your story with us!

Cheers!

Vivienne