Every summer there’s a traveling burlesque circus that comes to Manhattan. No joke. It’s the best idea to rejuvenate the downtown area spirits since those “I HEART NY” shirts (which are so 1982). Down by the South Street Seaport - two circus tents, a line of bars, and dance floor are laid out on the planks. The theme is Moulin Rouge; think smoky rooms, red velour, waitresses in bustiers and black lace stockings. Every night, from August to November, there’s a quirky assemblage of entertainment, from live bands to musical theatre, international DJs, and burlesque shows. If one is lucky, at times the fog drifts in from the river and one really feels taken back to ol Paris circa 1900s and those Bohemian nights of romantic experimentation, absinthe cordials and senseless abandon. And you thought romance was dead?
This week, for musical amusements, they’ve got the loud indie rock duo The Dodos; these guys have been heralded for their powerful rhythmic displays despite being only two instruments: drum and guitar. Then, there’s the ethereal romantic pop of The Bird & The Bee, and the riotous African orchestra out of Brooklyn, Antibalas.
The dance floors are expected to steam up on Thursday night with the UK Headphone Disco DJ’s Cameron Craig, Bryan Roseman and Grahame Ferguson, who will control separate streams of music, to which 1000 people will dance with wireless headphones. Absolutely no sound except from the stomping and sliding of feet.
The musical showcases range from avante-garde to classical. A few weeks ago, I caught the bawdy burlesque musical theatre troupe The Upright Citizens Brigade unleash their bawdy bravado of song, dance, and cirque de soliel-esque stunts at the crowd (see picts below).
Best yet, if one ever needs to give their ears and eyes a rest, one can just cozy up in their ‘green fairy garden’ or dangle on hammocks by the lapping river’s edge.
Truth be told I’d spend every night there if I could afford it (or the absinthe hang-over afterwards.)
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