Salty Enterteasement
Salt City Burlesque was the creation of Talia Shenandoah and Christina Suchon (Mary Effen Sunshine.) Talia aka (Harlow Holiday) approached MES in November of 2014 inquiring about her interest in forming a troupe and production in Syracuse.
Harlow Holiday - photo provided by HH
The idea of the shows were meant to be more theater based and classic or reminiscent of classic burlesque and vaudeville. Contemporary performance art built on a classic structure featuring a mix of drag, dance, stand up comedy, music, flow arts, acrobatic and aerial arts, amongst striptease acts.
Mary Effen Sunshine - Hollow 2.5 photo
They chose the name to be representative of our pride for our hometown and it’s history.
We caught up with Harlow Holiday herself to talk about the art of bawdy comedy mixed with playful striptease in their traveling variety shows that promise to titillate. Here’s our burlyQ & A:
Q: How did your fascination with Burlesque begin?
Madame Trixie - Peter Levins Photo
A: I had become interested in Burlesque in the early 2000s as Dita Von Teese rose to fame and brought burlesque to the mainstream. I was always into theater and classic movies, particularly the ones with elaborate sets or costumes. When I saw what Dita was about it sparked my interest to learn about the history of burlesque. I’ve been actually studying since about 2005. In 2014 I made a decision to take a trip to New Orleans for their annual burlesque festival (September). It was there I had my first experience with live high quality burlesque productions. Also where I began to take classes and workshops with top industry professionals. I left NOLA with newfound knowledge and passion for burlesque… to become a performer myself and to have my own show…
Q: Did you have a mentor that showed you the feathers & ropes?
“The Crown Jewel of the Capitol Region” Noelle Reign - Justin T. Higgins Photo
A: In November 2014 I heard about a burlesque show that was a cancer fundraiser at singers karaoke bar in Solvay. There I met my “burlesque mom” Shelleen Soltys (Madame Trixie) who had been performing burlesque and producing shows for nearly a decade in CNY.
A lot of her performers she said were college students that grew out of burlesque or left Syracuse and over the years the scene she built had fizzled. She was unable to commit to anything full time because of her health… but she encouraged me to perform and that she would help however she could!
Q: How was SCB birthed?
“God Breast America” Teasy Roosevelt
A: At the very same fundraiser I met Christina (Mary Effen Sunshine.) I told her about my idea and that I was looking for a partner to make it happen. We started meeting in February 2015 and by March 2015 salt city burlesque was born!
Salt City Burlesque was created to be a troupe and variety show production that provides a platform for education on the art form while offering a glimpse into the evolution of the art form.
A major part of our foundation was to build a performance art community in CNY and beyond by networking with and support other scenes and their artists.
Q: Is there a large network of burlesquers?
Maestro Maestra - Bob Perkoski Photo
A: We have grown into quite a large burlesque family between Sirens & Stilettos Cabaret (Rochester), Whiskey Tango Sideshow (Ithaca), Pop Culture Provacateurs (Troy), Bing Bamboo Room Burlesque (Albany)… we frequently perform in each other’s shows, traveling across NYS, carpooling whenever possible to support our fellow burlyq fam.
Q: What’s next for SCB?
Queen Cleanheart - Rochelle Marie Photo
A: Christina has stepped down as co-director to pursue a new production “The Effen Sessions” thought to be burlesque noir, or the darker, edgier side of performance art, which should be debuting spring 2017, but she is still a member of SCB.
Our next event is the…
Howl-A-Ween II- Side Show of Horror!!
Friday October 28th, 7-10pm
At 441 E. Washington St. Syracuse, NY 13202
Pre-show party begins when the doors open at 7pm…grab a drink and mingle or simply grab a seat and enjoy the dark ambiance and holiday themed music. Our striptease and variety show beginning at 8pm promises a little bit of something for everyone…. enjoy vintage, horror, circus, side show,and splendor galore with our all star cast:
Special guest stars:
“The Punk Rock Pixie of Troy” Persephone Pomme
“The Crown Jewel of the Capitol Region” Noelle Reign
“God Breast America” Teasy Roosevelt
“The Mama of Modern Tribal Fusion Belly Dance”- Jill Parker
Acro Yoga Duo- Acrolette
CNY Comedian- Steven Rogers
Your local Favorites:
Harlow Holiday
Maestro-Maestra
Lil'bits
Queen Cleanheart
Madame Trixie
Lil'bits
Hosted by: Justin Saine and featuring Stage Kitten Eerie Rottica.
Host Justin Saine
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door (If available). Available for purcahse now on Eventbrite.The show is 21+ with ID. Cash bar featuring beer and wine. Best costume contest at intermission!!
Stage Kitten @eerie_rottica
Street Parking or parking for $6 in the lot next door to Jazz Central. Seating is first come, first served.
The madess returns on Friday, October 28, 2016…Join us for some Halloween delights!!!!!!!
Don’t forget to subscribe to their pages to find out the latest news:
[facebook] (www.facebook.com/saltcityburlesque)