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Caburlesque Kittens at the Coronado Playhouse
Jeri Jacquin
Opening last night at the Coronado Playhouse was the Caburlesque Kittens and their “In the Mood: USO Style Tribute to the Military”. Starring the Caburlesque Kittens, the hostess Ophelia Kitty also introduced the BoylesqueTomcats as an addition to the show.
Once inside, small cozy tables for four are set in front of the stage while “cigarette” girls come to each table offering to bring drinks from wine to small bottles of champagne. The stage itself is set with the velvet red curtains that beckon the viewer to come on a ride back through time to the heady days of the USO.
The show begins with the Tomcats marching from the Playhouse entrance to the stage with military style and uniform to a rendition remix of “I Love the Marine Corp”. The evening hostess, the Mistress of Mayhem, Ophelia Kitty welcomes guests and explains that the show is in appreciation to the men and women of the armed services.
Dressed in the glory of the USO days, Ms. Kitty entices with her rendition of “When Your Good to Mama” that begins the early evenings catcalls and whistles. Each of the cast brings with them the campy fun names such as Bebe Bazumba, Ivana Sparkle and Lola DeMure and more. From the Tomcats such names as Justin Time, Charlie Ritz and more.
Such wonderful songs as “Minnie the Moocher”, “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”, and “Give Me Some Money” of a chance to see these performers sing, dance and salute the military in fun style. The costumes are wonderful and sexy with an elegant demeanor cat calling of brashful sassiness. From fish net stockings, high-heeled shoes, red lipstick, perfectly coiffed hair, ruffled panties and sleek silk dresses, this show has that and more.
The Tomcats provided awesome dancing and fun with Ace Hardware’s act with “Miss Goodie Two Shoes”. Also, Jackson Stag with Charlie Ritz on the piano with “New Dawn, New Day” was lovely as a duo of voice and piano.
PURRRFECTION: The Caburlesque Kittens did have a raffle that raised money for the VA, which I thought, was mighty fantastically feline of them to do. They also encouraged a lot of audience participation from “meowing” to cheering – all was acceptable and naughtily encouraged by this litter of kittens.
The stand out performances here are Ofelia Kitty with her wit, charm, gams and Bette Midler sense of humor. Her sultry voice carrying off “Ain’t No Other Man” was beautifully done.
BeBe Bazumba’s steamy performance of “Get Me Some Money” plays to the audience with a Jessica Rabbit badness that had whistles. Cherry Cadillac DeVille’s rendition of “Stuff Like That There” had a nice little cut of tease that is totally reminiscent of the era.
Jackson Stag’s soulful and daring rendition of “Summertime” was purrfectly in pitch and filled with stunning emotion that captured the audience. He made it look easy to sing with such gut wrenching sentiment.
Chase Myaz saunters into the room crooning a much sexier version of “Money Can’t Buy Me Love” showering the audience with rings, cash (it’s not real so calm yourselves) and confetti for all. By mingling Sinatra style cozy and intimacy with his audience, Mr. Myaz makes his way to the stage providing a slick ending to a seriously yet fun piece of music.
Ending the show with “Fever”, the cast each gets a moment to shine and be appreciated for all their work in this show.
IN THE LITTLER BOX: As with any opening night there can be problems. The doors not open on time causing the show to begin later. There were difficulties with sound, a few missteps and wardrobe malfunctions. All of these can be easily fixed but more easily avoided.
The two standout problems were: 1) the intermission was insanely long coming in at over 40 minutes, 2) with the first act having 12 performances and the second act having 10 it is just asking to much of an audience. Brevity should be the order of the stage when entertaining troops! In a theatre comfortable seating perhaps this would work well.
END RESULT: All in all this it is a fun time! The Caburlesque Kittens next show will be “Hot for Teacher” themed on Friday, September 17th from 7-9 at On Broadway, 615 Broadway, Downtown San Diego. For guaranteed show seats and make dinner reservations at the Zen Café call 619-231-0011 619-231-0011 (seating is limited).
If you are on Facebook find the girls, and guys and see their wonderful photographs and previous show posters. Get to know them all because I have a feeling they will be around for quite some time!
So if you are wondering what to do on a Saturday night that is out of the ordinary - tread the paw fantastic to the Coronado Playhouse this evening to see the show. Located at 1835 Strand Way in Coronado, kitty-cornered to the Hotel Del, is an evening of entertainment, laughs, music and dance with a cast of characters that are the cats-meow!
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