On Saturday, June 11, 2011, Big Mamma’s House of Burlesque put on one of their staple productions for Charlotte’s own Visulite Theatre. If you have not had the opportunity to attend one of Big Mamma’s shows, for shame! Her burlesque troupe has toured and appeared in many locations across the US, and at Conventions such as FroliCon among others. However, in her home base of the Queen City, Big Mamma reigns over Charlotte Burlesque with a Swarovski studded crown.

 

Each show is set to a theme, and this latest one was Steampunk. As such, my inner dialog went something like this: “Wait… Burlesque AND Steampunk for the WHOLE SHOW!?!? Why OF COURSE I’ll go!” 

 

Also, any excuse to walk in the walls of the Visulite is one I jump at the chance for. It is by far one of my favorite event spaces in the Southeast. So off I went to join the lovely Talloolah Love, the first name in steampunk burlesque in my opinion, off to Charlotte for the show. Since I was tasked to help, I must admit to missing a few numbers. But the ones I did see gave me an overall impression.

 

First of all, of the locals of Big Mamma’s troupe, Ginny Tonic’s numbers – with her companion Captain Birdchest (yes, it was a gag, and funny) were spot on. It was clear she had a love of the aesthetic and they both made it work. Silver Kitsu

ne, another of Big Mamma’s girls, gave an Asian flair to the steampunk aesthetic that I enjoy seeing done right, and she was a delight. However… the rest of the locals didn’t get it. Most did just burlesque with a slight nod to the aesthetic, such as Meredith Sparkles’ Absinth number was adorable but would work anywhere – but most simply didn’t bother and missed the steampunk airship entirely. I would go further and say how or why, but it’s not the point. The overriding theme was that it was part of the gag. The entire night had an overriding joke that really hit home, and that was “What Is Steampunk,” proven so by the constant buffoonery of MCs Johnny Anonymous and Lefty LeBlue. It was refreshing seeing Johnny play the baggy pants man this time, as well as doing 

more quick changes than any girl in the troupe. It made the holes in the show pardonable, after all, the heart of burlesque is a humorous parody – and I must say Big Mamma’s show delivered.

 

The guests of the evening were  just delightful. Johnny Millwater, a stand-up comic and regular guest of their shows, was simply hilarious. His standup had a few pot shots at the subculture, and then took a turn for the sideshow before rounding up to just some great laughs. Then were the performances from Knoxville’s White Lightning Burlesque. I mean Hellcat Harlowe no disrespect, but I only caught her second act – a fan dance to an Abney Park song – and truth be told it felt like pandering. Though the fan dance was a very nice fan dance, a lovely number to put into a classic burlesque show. I feel that putting the dance  to a steampunk band did not a steampunk number make. . The other side of the brass nickel was Sassy Frass who more than made up for it with her bright smile and blonde curls twirling around the stage in a delight of rayguns, dirigibles, and a clock face hoop skirt. She was simply lovely to behold, and her bubbly glee for steampunk was utterly infectious. And we come to the main guest, and show poster covergirl, Atlanta’s own and Artifice Club luminary Talloolah Love. (Remember, I am quoting the audience so that I do not seem to pander)

 

“Talloolah Love was brilliantly charming as ‘Doctor Q's Creation.’ Beautifully choreographed, Talloolah makes you believe that she is not a real person doing this act. Talloolah’s second performance as Sally, was equally as impressive as the Creation. She very gracefully ‘stumbles’ and falls over taking off very little clothing. In the end, she is still fully clothed, but you never lose the sense of her still taking her clothes off,” said Robin Dove – an audience member of the show.* 

 

And I cannot help but sing praise for the always impressive DJ Spider. She seems to be able to swim in any fan community in style and spin music to amuse, delight, and get any dance floor hopping to the beat. I know for a fact she had never played our style of music before. We spent a good bit of time talking together in the sound booth, and I have to say I am more a fan of her now than I ever was. I’m not sure if I told her this, but both she and the Davenports were my inspirations sitting in a booth to begin with. And her first try out with steampunk made me eager to have her join our ranks more often. 

 

In short, there is no arguing that a Big Mamma’s Burlesque Show is just plain fun to be a part of even if the theme was not as thoroughly executed as I would have liked. I always have a great night, surrounded by lovely people, an impressive crowd, and enjoy the amazing scenery of the Visulite. If ever near the Charlotte area for a show, regardless of Big Mamma’s theme, be sure to check it out.  For those that missed it, enjoy these photos in this article used with permission by the talented Ron Tencati Photography.

 

*Trivia Tidbit: Talloolah Love’s Clockwork Doll number was created back in 2009, and was debuted at Eccetrick Festival. From it, spawned my very first steampunk outfit and persona was made to carry her onto the stage. When the MC asked for my name, I just shrugged.  Talloolah  smiled and simply said, “It’s Doctor Q’s Creation, so he’s Doctor Q” and thus the moniker was born. And now you know. 

 

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