Review: EROTIC BROADWAY

Erotic Broadway has returned to New York City with a new edition entitled "Vintage Variety." The revue, which enjoyed a sold out run in the summer and fall of last year, is now scheduled to play once a month at The Triad.

Vintage Variety brings a bit of erotica to the main stage, bridging the gap between late night down and dirty burlesque and daytime between a squeaky-clean Broadway show. The revue features the usual burlesque costumes and tricks but adds in live singing, ballet, modern dance, and comedy, giving the audience some fabulous talent to go along with some fabulous flashes of skin.

The Triad Theater is a very intimate space, offering an up close and personal setting for such a show. With a seating capacity of only 130 (with 94 on the main level), there is no question that you will have the best seat in the house, no matter what seat you actually have. And in the case of Erotic Broadway/Vintage Variety, the closer you are the better. Afterall, who pays to see a little nudity and then wants to miss the nudity?

The program quotes director Tricia Brouk as saying, "When I first, saw the beautiful Triad Theater, I wanted to put as many people on that stage as possible," and it is apparent that this is a statement she adhered to. The opening number "I Hope I Get It" (based on A Chorus Line) brings ten girls onto the very small stage, kicking and shimmying with little regard for the limited area at hand. Throughout the show the performers continue to use every inch of their space, not only from side to side but from up and down as well. To their credit, they were still able to perform some lovely ballet moves while avoiding the low hanging lights.

The April 24th show featured performances from Broadway's Cristy Candler (Wicked), Adam Perry (Promises, Promises, Wicked), Michelle Pruiett (The Little Mermaid), and Samantha Zach (Wicked). Additional performers include Mistress B, Gina Bombera, Brian Brooks, Michelle Cole, Hazel Honeysuckle, Jen James, Kristin Jantzie, Liz Piccoli, Dana Aber, Ljuba Castot, Marisa Merliss, and Aaron Walter. Of the dancers, Christy Candler and Michelle Pruiett shone the brightest, bringing humor and natural sexiness to skits like "The Shower," "The Dressing," "The Date" and "I Said No." Their ease in their underwear is matched by their vocal skills; their performances are a pleasure to watch. The men are also eye catching, and Brian Brooks and Aaron Walter's performance in "Brian Brooks Moving Company, Duet from DANCE-O-MATIC" is clever, fun, and a refreshing break from the line-up of all female performances.

The evening was hosted by Joe Ricci and Vicki Van Tassel. Playing the role of husband and wife, Ricci and Van Tassel joke back and forth about sex, propositioning the audience and telling stories of escapades past. They sing a few ditties together as well, playing off one another with ease and flexing some major vocal chords. Van Tassel easily outshines her co-host with her kitchy dresses and comedic ease. Her hilariously jerky movements and blurted speech patterns are a mix between Joan Cusack and Cheri Oteri in a way that makes you laugh even when she is not speaking.

When it all comes down to it, Erotic Broadway is a sort of high class PG-13 burlesque; there is far less nudity than an ordinary NYC revue, and the performers happen to be extremely talented and beautiful dancers and singers. With bawdy jokes and a few faked org*sms it may not be the ideal show to bring your out-of-town grandmother to see, but I guess that all depends on what sort of grandmother you have. But no matter who you bring, remember to be aware that on top of the
ticket price (which runs from $35-$75) you will be required to purchase two drinks. If you have the dough and the desire for a little skin to go along with your Broadway belting, then Erotic Broadway/ Vintage Variety is singing your name.

The next performance of Erotic Broadway was scheduled for 5/29 at 11pm but because of the holiday weekend it has been rescheduled for Thur 5/27 at 9:30pm. EROTIC BROADWAY - Vintage Variety is performed at The Triad Theater (158 West 72nd Street at Broadway). Tickets are priced from $35-$75 and can be purchased online at www.SmartTix.com or by phone at (212) 868-4444.

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