Steamtown Vaudeville Resuscitates Tradition with a Twist
Company to debut with ‘A Hot Toddy Cabaret’ on Feb. 21
Back in the heyday of vaudeville, Scranton was such an important testing ground for new acts, they actually coined a phrase about it. “If You Can Play Scranton, You Can Play Any Where,” it was said. So it’s perhaps ironic that the revival of vaudevillian-style arts that’s all the rage across the country seems to have passed by Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Te resounding question that greeted arts journalist Alicia Grega after her fall presentations on the NeoVaudeville phenomenon was, “When can we see these performers live on stage?” Not needing her arm twisted, she wasted no time launching Steamtown Vaudeville. On Sunday, Feb. 21 from 5 to 8 p.m., the new company will present its first production at the Olde Brick Theatre in Scranton. Titled “A Hot Toddy Cabaret,” the event will offer vaudeville-inspired magic, dance, stunts, music and comedy in a contemporary package. Tickets are only $15 and include hors d’oeuvres. A cash bar will be available featuring specialty absinthe cocktails, including the “Hot Phoebe,” as well as more conventional refreshments. Additional attractions include neovaudeville-themed vendors and tarot readings. Proceeds will benefit the Jason Miller Playwrights’ Project.
Among the local artists on the program are Rachel Dare and Kendra McHugh of Lotus Fire Belly Dancers of Scranton and 21-year-old magician Denny Corby who splits his time between Scranton and Boston. Members of local improv group I Miss Trevor, including Sid Michaels, Nancy Cummings, Sarah Stachura, Michael Whitbeck, Dave Thackara and Ryan Fenton, will perform a variety of custom-made skits and spoofs. On the bill is a performance of Abbot and Costello's "Slowly I Turned," and a revamp of a few turn-of-the-century vaudeville sketches.
Steamtown Vaudeville is particularly excited to introduce Hazleton-based fire eater, escape artist and variety performer Professor Fountain (professorfountain.com) to The Electric City. Trained in Coney Island by Todd Robbins and Harley Newman, the stunt artist is dedicated to preserving this unique and historical American art form. He can be seen annually at the Sideshow Gathering in Wilkes-Barre presented by Marc’s Tattooing in conjunction with its Inkin’ the Valley convention and has performed for organizations including the Hazleton Art League and the Greenwood Friends School.
Hot Toddy Headliners The Minksy Sisters and Hula Hoop Harlot Melissa-Anne, both of New York City will perform by special appearance with Absinthe Cabaret. Artistic Director and Creator of the NYC-based Absinthe Cabaret, Brandee Sanders has deep ties to Scranton and has worked closely with Alicia Grega and Sarah Stachura to make the dream of Steamtown Vaudeville a reality. Her MetroGypsy Studios sells wares ranging from original mini top hats, tilt hats, and feather fascinators, to custom burlesque Sally Rand feather fans and one of a kind vintage pin up and up-cycled pieces created for stage performance, burlesque and anyone who loves standing out.
Jen and Kristen Minsky specialize in ‘20s era flapper and high intensity tap routines and burlesque, while Hula Hoop Harlot Melissa-Anne grew up studying classical dance, jazz and tap before taking up hula hooping at age 18. She performs regularly at various parties, vaudeville, sideshow and circus variety shows.
The Hot Toddy House Band is composed of Marty Ort on keyboard, Ron Pascoe on bass, and Mark Montella on drum kit and percussion. Actor Conor McGuigan, a member of Electric Theatre Company, will emcee the show. Audience members can expect plenty of surprises throughout the evening.
Advance ticket purchase is strongly suggested due to the intimate theatre’s 75-seat capacity. Tickets are available for purchase online at via the Steamtown Vaudeville web page at http://www.SubverseAphrodesia.com/variety.aspx. Reservations will not be confirmed until payment is received.
As if the excitement of A Hot Toddy Cabaret alone is not enough, Steamtown Vaudeville will present the 1968 film The Night They Raided Minsky’s on Friday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. in conjunction with CineSect. On Saturday at 2 p.m., Alicia Grega will offer her multimedia presentation “NeoVaudeville in the 21st Century: the Exploring the Revival of Burlesque, Sideshow, & Cabaret in Popular Performance.” The presentation was made possible by a 2009 Individual Creative Artist Fellowship in Arts Commentary from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. These additional events will also be held at the Olde Brick Theatre and are offered free of charge. Donations are, of course, encouraged.
Steamtown Vaudeville is hoping A Hot Toddy Cabaret is only the first program it will bring to the community. Those interested in sponsoring future events or submitting their acts for program consideration should inquire at info@subverseaphrodesia.com.