batmo.com :: Ray's Guide to Chicago Area Burlesque

Show dates and reviews from the burlesque scene in Chicago.

The past few years have seen a revival of burlesque as an art form across America. I'm not talking about about lap dances in strip clubs, but rather variety stage shows, some of them quite elaborate, featuring striptease as part of the mix. Troupes have popped up in cities everywhere including, I am happy to say, Chicago. On this humble page, I try to cover burlesque in my city as completely as I can. If you wish to submit a review or are aware of upcoming shows that I have not listed, please at burlesque at this domain. Now read on, then go see a show!

Ray's Guide can come to you! or send an email with the word "subscribe" in the subject to burlesque at this domain. I will send out email notices once or twice a month to alert you to upcoming shows and events. I maintain the list manually and will remove you immediately on request.

Reviews of Current Shows

Belmont Burlesque updated 5/23/04
Intimate, funny, and at times poignant. Highly recommended. Read review.

Reviews of Past Shows

An Evening at the Stone Burlesk reviewed 3/15/07
An interesting and fun recreation of the heyday of the Stone Burlesk Theater in Detroit, MI. Read review.

Dante's Voodoo Cabaret reviewed 5/21/04
Not a burlesque show, strictly speaking, but a concert by a local burlesque performer/singer and her band, along with a bit of striptease fun. Read review.

Flirt Cabaret updated 6/14/05
New production is more of a song and dance revue than a burlesque show, and doesn't generate a lot of excitement. Read review.

Fluffgirl Burlesque reviewed 10/4/05 in the Rantings
A touring show that fell a bit flat. Read review.

Girlie-Q Variety Hour updated 3/29/07
An enjoyable evening of spoken word, performance art, and burlesque. Highly recommended. Read review.

Gurlesque Burlesque reviewed 7/24/04
A burlesque tour de force packed with over 20 acts. Future shows are a must-see for any burlesque fan. Read review.

Hellcat Hussies updated 5/19/05
They put "the ass back in sass." Their 2004 production needed improvement, but they have turned in some fun performances since then. Read review.

Kit Kat Honeys reviewed 3/23/04
A song and dance revue in fishnets. Read review.

Lavender Cabaret's Church of the Lavender Day Saints reviewed 8/10/04 in the Rantings
Sacreligious and sexy...a fun combination. Read review.

Lavender Cabaret's FemmeTV updated 5/19/05
Slick and sexy, with lots of laughs. Highly recommended. Read review.

Star and Garter Burlesque reviewed 10/6/06
Striptease and stand-up comedy done right. Highly recommended. Read review.

Suicide Girls reviewed 2/19/04 in the Rantings
Astonishingly lame. Read review.

Upcoming Shows as of 4/17/09

Girlie-Q Productions presents Le Cabaret Erotique - "Classic burlesque with a twist" hosted by Ms. Bea Haven and featuring Cherish the Burlesque Goddess, Cruel Valentine, DeeDee & Irma, Dizzy Lizzy Delicious, Tribal Bellydancer Jolie, Lula Houp-Garou, Lyra Belecqua, Salome Slaughter, Scarlett D'Evil, Siren Jinx & Viva La Muerte - Saturday, April 18, 11:30pm, $10 suggested donation - Uncommon Ground - 1401 W. Devon Ave - 773.465.9801

Vaudezilla presents Broadzilla! hosted by Red Hot Annie and Wham Bam Pam and featuring Red Hot Annie, Wham Bam Pam, Bonny Babs, Donna Touch, Kitten Kaboodle, Dizzy Lizzy Delicious, Maria May I, Bizarre Sally, Violet Vogue, MsPixy, Kai de Vicious, Maiden Sacrifice, Bombshell, Lady Freya, Miss Teddy Bare, The Flaming DamesBonny Babs, Lady Jack, Salome Slaughter, Siren Jinx, Lady Annabelle, Backdoor Aly, Diva Von Breeze, Lyra Belecqua, Violet Vogue, Sauda Namir, and Mae the Bellydancer - Friday, April 24, Shows at 10pm and 1am, FREE - Exit - 1315 W North Ave - 773.395.2700

Girlie-Q Productions presents The Breast Show Ever! - benefit for Be Bright Pink hosted by Ms. Bea Haven and featuring Cruel Valentine, Dizzy Lizzy Delicious, Ezra Poundable, Ms. Leslie Lee, Lula Houp-Garou, Maiden Sacrifice, Plucky Rosenthal, Salome Slaughter, Sauda Namir & Siren Jinx performing "mammary-themed acts, nurses in latex, a breast self-exam demo the likes of which you've never seen!" - Thursday, April 23, 8pm, $10 - Subterranean - 2011 W North Ave - 773.278.6600

Belmont Burlesque - Jack Midnight and the Belmont Bombshells welcome The Amazing Tomas and more. BYO and get ready to laugh until it hurts. - Saturday Night, April 25, 12am, tickets $10 - The Playground - 3209 N Halstead - 773.871.3793

Lavender Cabaret & Movieside present Michelle L'amour's Belles and Whistles Burlesque Revue benefit show for the Burlesque Hall of Fame featuring Michelle L'amour and her Starlets with national guests Nadine Dubois, Ophelia Flame, Tatah Dujour, Fannie Spankings, and Silent Theater, L'amourchestra and more - Friday Night, February 13 and Saturday Night, May 2, Midnight, Tickets $15 or 2 for $25 in advance or $20 at the door - Music Box Theater - 3733 N Southport Ave - 773.871.6604

Belmont Burlesque - Jack Midnight and the Belmont Bombshells welcome The Amazing Tomas and more. BYO and get ready to laugh until it hurts. - Saturday Night, May 23, 12am, tickets $10 - The Playground - 3209 N Halstead - 773.871.3793

Current Weekly Shows

Vaudezilla presents Spring Fling Burleque featuring Red Hot Annie, Donna Touch, Wham Bam Pam, and Bonny Babs and guests from among Paris Green, The Honey Buns, Lady Jack, Kitten Kaboodle, Cruel Valentine, Bizarre Sally, Naughty Natanya, Elisa Purls, Coo d'Twat, MsPixy, and Miss Teddy Bare - Thursdays, 10pm, FREE - The Blue Bayou - 3764 N Southport Ave - 773.871.3300

Annoyance Productions presents a burlesque-themed improv show, Late Night Tit-Bits, featuring the seven stimulating ladies of the Roadside Bombshells Club and club owner on a pogo-stick, Nick - Saturdays, 10:00pm, tickets $15 by web or at 773.561.4665 - The Annoyance - 4840 N. Broadway

Reviews of Current Shows

Reviews of Past Shows

Upcoming Shows as of 4/17/09

Current Weekly Shows

Local Troupes and Resources

Local Performers

Out-of-Town Performers I Have Enjoyed

Other Links