Flaming Dames

Flaming Dames in Naughty and Nice. Reviewed by Brian Kirst

At this past summer’s Flashback Weekend in Rosemont, IL Robert Englund and the Nightmare on Elm Street cast may have been providing the star power, but the New Millennium Theater (who recently graced us with the amazing stage adaptation of Tim Seeley’s horror comic Hack Slash) and their Flaming Dames were providing the heat. In a preview for their Halloween extravaganza the Dames provided limb flying, whip cracking, dead dolly loving fun. Hosted by a Las Vegas style vampire (a slick Kristofer Simmons) and a decomposing, wise cracking member of the undead(energetic, comically proud Rebecca Miller), this sneak peek provided blood, sensuality and the commanding presence of Flaming Dame Hot Cocoa (Ericka Ayche’le). While Simmons took on Tim Curry with a sensual, on the mark version of Rocky Horror Picture Show’s “Sweet Transvestite”, the Dames artfully -with a macabre zest – took it all off. (Well, almost all – this was truly a spooky homage to the subtle power of showmanship and burlesque.) Guided by powerhouse creator Leslie Kerrigan the Dames ultimately proved they were ready to take theater and burlesque to a new level – and they certainly have!

Indeed, after the success of their fully realized Halloween production, the Dames are now covering us in red once again – but this time it’s in a Christmas hue. In fact, with The Flaming Dames in Naughty & Nice, they are giving the holiday season a brand new, erotically subversive meaning.

A nervous elf (again, a finely tuned Rebecca Miller) and Santa’s main helper (the adorably cute Stephanie McLemore) are up in arms because Santa has disappeared. When he is finally discovered and dragged onto the stage, we are introduced to a slim, metro sexual, drunken version of old Saint Nick (the color perfect, returning Kristofer Simmons). Santa is also on a proud mission to “get some” and find himself a brand new wife. This is a vulgar, abs loving, audience grabbing Santa – and, of course, the holidays are at risk! Will the elf and helper be able to return this vain Santa to his old merry ways in time for Christmas night? Only the Flaming Dames know.

In between the antics of Miller, McLemore and Simmons, Leslie Kerrigan inspires the Flaming Dames to high step their way into our hearts. Whether re-visiting the classics with the ballet toned, 1950’s styled “Angel for Christmas”, acting like exuberant school girls sweetly showing each other their underwear in the delightful “Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let It Snow” or wickedly reinventing “The 12 Days of Christmas” – these professional performers hit a classically entertaining beat and keep it coming. This is electric theater providing excitement akin to drive-in movie devotees discovering Claudia Jennings for the first time or actually seeing Burlesque legends like Betty Rowland or June St. Clair perform in their glory days.

Most importantly the Dames are all confident, talented and unique. Whether it’s the intelligence of Salome S or the sweet singing voice and demureness of DeChantel Kosmatka – the personalities of all the women shine through. (Also, Gina Ferenzi who passionately enacted Laura Lochs, Hack Slash‘s most potent villainous in the stage production, is on hand as Sugar Cookie to entertain and entice.)

So, if you’re based in IL, skip that latest Halloween retread this weekend and get “Damed” instead. The Flaming Dames in Naughty and Nice runs Friday nights at 10:30 PM at “The Spot”, 4437 N. Broadway, 312-458-9083, until January 4th, 2008.

After all, theatrical survival is a wicked beast and New Millennium’s embracing of horror themes and neglected arts like Burlesque deserves your blood loving, gruesomely devoted support! Besides, with its warm vibe and friendly staff – CJ rules! – The Spot is a great place to hang out at whether the talents of Kerrigan and crew are involved or not!