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BWW Reviews: The Quintessential Modern Vaudeville - CLOCKWORK FOLLIES at Rockwell
By: Aimee Curameng Jul. 14, 2014
Described as "modern vaudeville," Clockwork Follies at Rockwell manages to take a classic, forgotten form of entertainment and transform it for today's audience. The show is comprised of a mixture of performers - a musical comedy troupe, beautiful dancers, a comedian, a magician, a French chanteuse, all hosted by the entertaining and magnetic, Jai Rodriguez.
Without wanting to give too much away, the show begins with a song built around audience participation by the appropriately-named, Cabaret Awesome. It was a great start to the show, bringing great energy and enthusiasm. "Sex Bomb" by Tom Jones played in the background as a member of the Hollywood Jane Revue, a Los Angeles burlesque troupe, danced the way as only a burlesque act can with style, flirtation, and fun. Comedian, Michael Goldstrom entertained with improv, utilizing sound effects to take the audience on a journey through time from Ancient Rome to modern day.
Our host, Jai Rodriguez, known that night as the "Vandal of Virtue," entertained between each act, volunteering a member of the audience to read a text from his phone, asking a member of the audience to help him with a particular item of clothing. With new audience members week after week, this act is expected to change, too. Who knows what may happen next week?
Magician, Micah Cover wowed with a couple of tricks that left me scratching my head and interested in seeing more. Chanteuse, Morganne Picard sang several songs beautifully. Her voice has the ability to transport anyone into a 1940s French café, concluding her set with Édith Piaf's, "La Vie en Rose." A burlesque duo performed as spies on a mission, walking through the audience, and going back to the stage to perform a sexy striptease. Dancer, Angela Todaro impressed with quick tap dancing and Cabaret Awesome concluded the show with a rendition of Blurred Lines that got everyone up and dancing.
I imagine the vaudeville shows of the past to be just like this - entertaining, diverse, and a celebration of art and talent. If you want to experience how modern vaudeville looks and feels, catch Clockwork Follies at Rockwell, Fridays at 10:00 PM.
Photo Credit: Aimee Curameng
Alvin Forbes and Joey Bybee of Cabaret Awesome
Burlesque dancer
Jai Rodriguez and DJ
Michael Goldstrom
Misha Reeves and Alvin Forbes of Cabaret Awesome
Angela Todaro
Burlesque Duo
"Blurred Lines" dance party with the cast of Clockwork Follies
Cast of Clockwork Follies with Producer, Kate Pazakis
Visit http://rockwell-la.com/ for more information.
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