The New Orleans burlesque show, The Shim Sham Revue, was one of the driving forces behind the birth of neo-burlesque. Learn why their burlesque shows went down in history.
The Shim Sham Revue and Neo-burlesque
Burlesque dancer, Lorelei Lane aka Lorelei Fuller founded The Shim Shamettes burlesque troupe in New Orleans. This sprouted one of the first burlesque festivals of neo-burlesque, Tease-O-Rama.
Unfortunately, in 2002 the Shim Shamettes disbanded. Yet, a phoenix rose from the ashes.
Famed drummer, Ronnie Magri, the musical director bandleader and drummer of the Shim Shamettes, put together The Shim Sham Revue. The new burlesque show was launched only a few months later.
The show starred guest burlesque performer and famed burly-Q queen, Dita Von Teese. Fellow performers included a comic emcee, a comedienne and a cast of rotation singers including: Marcy Von Hesseling (Star & Dagger), Ingrid Lucia (Flying Neutrinos) and the Southern Jezebelles.
In the same year Ronnie Magri produced his first solo album called the Shim Sham Revue. It has music of New Orleans burlesque Shows and features songs popular in 30s, 40s and 50s burlesque. Listen below:
The Shim Sham Revue continued to the closing of The Shim Sham Club in June 2003. Though, the effects of the variety show style and people it inspired continues today.
Learn about The Velvet Hammer Burlesque Documentary.
(Main image from The Digital Bird)
