Titillating dance and French fare

Diva Disastar is one of the headliners in Black Orchid Burlesque, at Tina’s Hotel in Kloof this weekend.

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BY BILLY SUTER

TASTEFULLY titillating and a true treat is what is promised in the cabaret entertainment from Black Orchid Burlesque, South Africa’s first authentic burlesque company, since 2007, which is to perform at the Rhumbelow Theatre’s Kloof branch, in Beryldene Road, from Thursday to Sunday.

Hosted by SA’s dame of burlesque, Diva Disastar, the show, restricted to over-18s, promises bold sensuality with a touch of sophistication and a few good laughs.

Showcasing some of Johannesburg and Cape Town’s best of burlesque and ‘boylesque’, the production is billed as “an extravaganza of feathers and fun, cheeky but classy adult entertainment you’ll never forget”.

Black Orchid Burlesque encourages performers to explore all genres of burlesque, enabling them with the skills to perform for any occasion and theme.

“Our performers specialise in burlesque, ‘boylesque’ and ‘draglesque’ performance art. Each burlesque persona is unique, just like the acts they produce on stage,” says a spokesman.

Tonya Koenderman presents *A Night in Paris* at the Umbilo Rhumbelow Theatre this and next weekend,

“We are proud to provide premier cabaret, cirque and burlesque entertainment for any theme or occasion, and have a vast array of fabulous acts and artistes to choose from.

“Thriving on originality and opulence, we offer everything from bawdy comedic acts, to glamorous Ostrich Fan shows; with the guarantee that every act is tastefully titillating!”

Performances are at 8pm nightly until Saturday, then at 2pm on Sunday. Tickets cost R150 each (R130 for pensioners) and booking is at Computicket or by calling Roland at 082 499 8636.

Meanwhile, popular songs from France are being showcased this and next weekend at the Rhumbelow Theatre in Cunningham Road, Umbilo, where the spotlight is on Johannesburg singer Tonya Koenderman.

The production features songs such as Je Ne Regrette Rien, Ne Me Quitte Pas, Chanson des vieux amants, Autumn Leaves, Quiet Love, C’est Magnifique, Habanera and Le Jazz Hot.

A Night in Paris is scheduled for performances at 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays, then at 2pm on Sundays. Tickets cost R150 each (R130 for pensioners) and booking is at Computicket or by calling Roland at 082 499 8636.

Good news is that for the 8pm performances this Friday and Saturday only, tickets are half-price if you fill a table of eight – so R75 each instead of the usual R150.