Stage Door News
Stage Door News
One of the world’s most esteemed events of its kind, the Toronto Burlesque Festival is thrilled to announce the full programming line-up for their 10th anniversary year running July 20 to 23 at Revival Bar and Virgin Mobile MOD Club. Combining inventive striptease with variety acts, the 10th annual Toronto Burlesque Festival will be a sizzling four-day extravaganza of performances with a dazzling cast of innovative artists from across the globe including headliners: Roxi Dlite (Windsor/Las Vegas) – Canada’s only Queen of Burlesque and winner of the 2010 Miss Exotic World Crown; RedBone (Minneapolis) who competed in the prestigious Burlesque Hall of Fame this year; and 2016’s Mr. Exotic World winner Harden Reddy (Munich).
With a focus on diversity, body-positivity, and an inclusive definition of beauty, the festival is pleased to present some the best burlesque performers from across Canada, the US and Europe including: Tiger Bay (NYC), Miss Coney Island 2017 and winner of the 2016 Alternatease “WTF” award; Miss Viva Las Vegas 2010 Ruby Champagne (California); 2017 Burlesque Hall of Fame competitors Lady Josephine (Montreal) and Lou Lou la Duchesse de Riere (Montreal); Miss Burlesque Dublin, Santina Spitfire (Ireland); multiple award-winning, international touring performer, Amber Ray (NYC); and Toronto’s own Miss dd Starr (2014 Queen of the Lake, Como Burlesque Festival Italy), Miss Mitzy Cream (Legend’s Choice Award, Boston Burlesque Expo), Zyra Lee Vanity (2015 Judge’s Choice, Arizona Burlesque Festival and “Most Beautiful” at 2016 Alternatease), and Tanya Cheex (first inductee into the Canadian Burlesque Hall of Fame, Top 50 International Burlesque Performers, 21st Century Burlesque).
Since its origins in Europe and North America in the 1800’s, to the burlesque revival in the 1990’s, burlesque has continued to challenge conventional notions of sexuality, beauty and gender politics through its unique blend of music, dance, comedy, social satire and sexuality. The Toronto Burlesque Festival is pleased to be among the first of its kind in the world, building on Toronto’s history as one of the trailblazing epicenters of neo-burlesque.
“Ever since our first festival in 2008, the Toronto Burlesque Festival has attracted top talent from around the world, culminating in a hotbed of inspiration. The result has been two-fold: our audiences have learned to expect the highest entertainment standard and at the same time, our local community of performers have established themselves as major contenders on the international stage,” says Sauci Calla Horra, Executive Producer, Toronto Burlesque Festival and member of the world’s longest running neo-burlesque troupe Skin Tight Outta Sight.
The Toronto Burlesque Festival is also pleased to host a full schedule of day-time workshops for all levels at Burlesque University, for guests who want to try their hand at the art of the tease and for performers to enhance their art, grow and be inspired.
The Toronto Burlesque Festival is produced by Sauci Calla Horra (Founder and Executive Producer), Coco Framboise (Executive Director, Programming & Creative Director), and Ava Noir (Executive Director, Sponsorship & Communications) and is generously sponsored by Nickel Brook Brewing Co.
2017 programming:
RETROSPECTACULAR
Thursday, July 13th – Superwonder Gallery
The official launch of the Toronto Burlesque Festivals diamond anniversary will begin with Retrospectacular - a look back at some of the most iconic and game-changing acts and costumes in Toronto burlesque history. More details to be announced at torontoburlesquefestival.com.
RED CARPET REVEAL
July 20 – Revival Bar, 8pm, Tickets $20-$40
The Toronto Burlesque Festival is thrilled to present a sizzling night of classic-style striptease and song. Dress to the nines and be seen with the glitterati of local and international burlesque superstars. Expect fierce, imaginative acts that seduce with stunning visuals. Starring headliners Harden Reddy (Munich), feature performer Belle Jumelles (Toronto), singing sensation Bella Canto (Toronto/Chicago), Lady Josephine (Montreal), Santina Spitfire (Ireland) and many more. Hosted by Montreal's Beneatha Mann.
MONDO GONZO
July 21 - Virgin Mobile MOD Club, 9:30pm, Tickets $25-$60
An innovative night of "alterna-tease," this wildly popular show will have audiences roaring in laughter and reveling in the creativity of world class performers. Unique, edgy and experimental, this show features outrageous comedy, clever surprise, edgy satire and over-the-top innovation. Starring Headliner RedBone (Minneapolis), feature performer Ivory (Toronto), Ruby Champagne (Long Beach, CA), Amber Ray (NYC) and a new act by 20 year pioneers of Toronto's neo-burlesque scene, Skin Tight Outta Sight. Hosted by Toronto's own "Ladybear Extraordinaire," Fay Slift.
THE GLAM-A-GANZA
July 22 - Virgin Mobile MOD Club, 7pm, Tickets $30-$70
Saturday evening starts with a star-studded and high-glam event that is charged with the exotic energy of headliner Roxi Dlite (Windsor/Las Vegas), feature performers Yaretza (Calgary/Mexico) and Pastel Supernova (Toronto). Also starring Raven Rose (Hot Springs, AZ), Lou Lou Duchesse de Riere (Montreal), Coco Framboise (Toronto) and many more. Hosted by Laura Desiree (Toronto/NYC).
POP!
July 22nd - Virgin Mobile MOD Club,10:30pm, Tickets $30-$70
Saturday’s late-night spectacular is a showcase of the newest trend in burlesque – vivid and exciting performances related to popular culture, TV, film, nerdlesque and cosplay. Prepare to be knocked out with polished, witty, madcap work in full technicolour and cinemascope. Featuring headliner Harden Reddy (Munich), feature performer Emcee Unicorn (Sudbury) and hosted by Toronto's own SMB as Darryl Scorpio. This show is bursting at the seams with features by NYC's Tiger Bay, Toronto treasures Tanya Cheex, Peepshow TO and many more. Late night after-party with amazing tunes by Johnny B. Goode.
FUTURE PERFECT
July 23 - Revival Bar, 8pm, Tickets $20-$40
This finale showcase answers the question: What is the future of burlesque? The last hurrah to TBF’s 10th annual festival is a mash up of the punk rock roots of the Toronto neo-burlesque revival scene combined with the hottest modern rebels on today's bleeding edge. Daring, challenging and in-your-face, this show pushes the envelope with new gimmicks, raw truth, and impressive physical feats. Hosted by Sassy Ray and starring headliners Roxi Dlite (Windsor/Las Vegas), RedBone (Minneapolis) and more!
What: 10th Annual Toronto Burlesque Festival
When: July 20 – 23, 2017
Where: Revival Bar (783 College St.) & Virgin Mobile MOD Club (722 College St.)
Tickets: $20-$70 (www.torontoburlesquefestival.com)
NOTE: General Admission tickets are standing room. VIP tickets include guaranteed seating.
Web: www.torontoburlesquefestival.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/torontoburlesquefestival
Twitter: @TOBurlesqueFest
Photo: Roxy Dlite
2017-06-15
Toronto: The 10th annual Toronto Burlesque Festival runs July 20-23