By CHERIE DONNELLAN
TRADITIONAL burlesque might be missing from the film starring Christina Aguilera but it will feature on stage at Corio’s Shell Club this Saturday night, according to producer Craig Symons.
“That film is not what burlesque is about,” Symons asserted.
“I dare you to see one set of boobies in the movie – it doesn’t happen.”
But Symons insisted his hour-and-a-half Simply Burlesque show was about more than nudity.
“It’s about the comedy, the music, women – women feeling comfortable with themselves.
“As the art of burlesque grows in popularity we’re reminded of a time when glamour, parody and live performance ruled.”
Symons believed the Shell Club audience would have a “hell of a lot of fun” watching “mistress of ceremonies” Leila Leontine and her throng of performers.
Leontine, he said, was the “most amazing MC” he had encountered during his 30-year production career.
“She’s a comedienne as well as having an amazing [singing] voice.
“Audiences love her. She has them in stitches.”
Symons encouraged females in particular to experience the show to enhance their body confidence.
“Look, we have one girl who some might say is overweight but she’s fabulous. I want women walking away thinking ’I can do that’.”
Symons described the show as “definitely for mature-minded audiences”, so patrons should attend with an open mind.
Leaving expectations at the door would allow them to be swept up in the “seductive” and “dazzling” performances, he said.
However, the audience could definitely still expect to see a feather fan or five, Symons joked.
