Considering what a big year it’s been for burlesque around New Orleans, it only makes sense to mark its end with a party, and a few of the area’s top performers and producers are sending off 2015 with burlesque-themed New Year’s Eve parties. And they’re not confining themselves to New Orleans; Roxie le Rouge’s Big Deal Burlesque will take their show to Marksville for a party, in keeping with her practice of exporting burlesque to the Southeast area. I asked some of the producers for their thoughts on their shows and their work in 2015, and will continue to update.
Here’s a roundup of the shows. Please feel free to add any others you know about tonight in the comments section, and they’ll be added in with the relevant information.
Also: Voting in the “best of New Orleans burlesque” polls will close today, Thursday, Dec. 31, at 5 p.m., with results posted Wednesday, Jan. 6.
House of Mayhem presents “A Gatsby Affair”
Thursday, Dec. 31, 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Mag’s 940, 940 Elysian Fields Ave.
Description: “Looking for a way to ring in the New Year in style? Want to have the decadent atmosphere without the decadent price? Then join May Hemmer for a New Year’s Eve bash that will bring you back … back in time to the 1920s. Join us as we transform Mag’s 940 into a speakeasy complete with music, booze, and burlesque! At midnight join us for the champagne toast and a different spin on the balloon drop. But before the festivities kick off, Mag’s Coffee House (which is right next door) will be having an hors d’oeuvres and cocktail hour before hand! Between 7pm and 8pm for only $12 you can get some tasty finger foods and two complimentary drinks on the house!! Be sure to get there early because space will be limited for this mix and mingle event.”
Lineup: New Orleans performers Nikki LeVillain, Roux La La, Grand Mafun, Persé Fanny, and touring performers The Baroness and Gabriella Maze
Dress: Cocktail, with 1920s-style attire encouraged. Tickets:
Tickets: $11.24-$82.99. Visit event website
From May Hemmer: “I feel that taking on a bigger production so early in my production career is a big step for me. After working in the corporate world for so long, I have become pretty keen on how to put out fires and handling tense situations. And trust me… I’ve put out some fires with this show. I’ve made mistakes and I will continue to make mistakes but that’s part of the learning process. The main component that I’ve learned is to ask for help; my production assistant on this wild ride, Tsarina Hellfire, has been there to hear me ask and express frustrations. This show is also going to be a catalyst of seeing whether I can to just do smaller regular shows or compete with the big dogs and focus on just a few events throughout the year. All in all, I plan on providing a fun environment not only for my patrons, but for my entertainers. I want them to feel as fabulous as they really are and I think I’m really stepping up the game when it comes to that for ‘A Gatsby Affair.’ That way people can walk away and say that they enjoy working with me not just because they know they will get paid … but that they are treated like the top-notch performers I know they are.”
Bella Blue Entertainment presents “New Year’s Eve at the Social”
Thursday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Gravier Street Social, 523 Gravier St.
Description: “Join us at The Social for a fun and sophisticated evening of drinks, dancing and burlesque this New Years Eve. Burlesque presented by Bella Blue and sounds from DJ Otto. Great music to dance to in an eclectic venue with a cool crowd! 9 p.m. until late. Reservations: info@gravierstreetsocial.com or 504-941-7629.”
Lineup: Angie Z, Meredith Mon Archm, Charlotte Treuse, emcee Stevie Poundcake
Tickets: $45-$60. Visit event website
New Year’s Eve with Slow Burn Burlesque and Debauche
Thursday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.
Hi-Ho Lounge, 2239 St. Claude Ave.
Description: “Ring in 2016 with Debauche and Slow Burn Burlesque on Thursday, Dec. 31, at The Hi Ho Lounge!”
Lineup: Sarah Duprix, Ladee Lucerne, Porcelain, Natasha Fiore
From Ben Wisdom: “The Slow Burn Debauche show will be an unforgettable way to bring in the new year. No where else will you be able to dance to a live DJ playing Balkan dance music, see a troupe of professional and sexy belly dancers, experience the hell fire of one of New Orleans most recognized burlesque groups Slow Burn and party with the wildest band in all the land Debauche! It’s a night of unique alternative entertainment unlike anything else in the city.”
“Mon Cherie Amour” featuring Roxie le Rouge & Big Deal Burlesque
Thursday, Dec. 31, 10 p.m.
Bailey’s on the Square, 113 E. Ogden St. Marksville, 318-240-3495
Description: Champagne toast, balloon drop, party favors, breakfast buffet. Benefits the Avoyelles Arts Council.
Tickets: $75
From Roxie le Rouge: “My number one goal since starting Big Deal Burlesque over four years ago, has been to broaden our audience bringing top notch burlesque, sideshow and variety acts to new audiences. I do enjoy performing in big cities and often do as a soloist but, it is so rewarding to give smaller cities a first time experience and build an ever-growing fan base. The level of enthusiasm is really on a whole another level and all the performers remark how great it feels connect with the audiences. We have met some of the loveliest people on the road. These trips are reminders of why I do what I do. It’s pure joy. I’m really excited for 2016! I have many things I would like to accomplish for Big Deal this coming new year including a new group act, new concepts, collaborations and an expanded tour. Personal goals include polishing up my business skills, a new act with a fantastic costume is in it’s infancy stage and the always and ever present lesson of balance between work and personal life. I’m finally getting the hang of it.”
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