Thursday, July 19, 2012

John Paolillo Puts the Tail in Fairy Tales

By Byrne Harrison

There is no shortage of burlesque in New York City.  That said, it's always fun when something new comes around.  The latest is John Paolillo's naughty take on the fairy tales that we all know and love.

What is Humpty Dumpty hiding under that shell?

What is a tuffet, and what will happen if you sit on it?

Is three men in a tub ever really enough?

Did Little Red Riding Hood know the wolf was watching?

You may find out the answers at Hairy Tails & Rhymes, currently being performed Tuesday nights at XL Cabaret.

Choreographer Paolillo has created a show that is funny, dirty, and features some amazingly... um, talented performers.  They're not just pretty faces (and bodies) - these men and women know how to move.  With Paolillo's exciting choreography, these performers give us an athletic striptease that is a pleasure to watch and slyly humorous.

While it's hard to pick out the strongest numbers, the ones that stuck with me were Miss Muffet's, featuring Audry Hamilton (and a very naughty, and persistent spider), and Paolillo's take on Three Men in a Tub, featuring David Gifford, Dave Guggino and Brandon Mason (who was also a terrific Humpty Dumpty).

Hairy Tales also features Sister Goose (Luxury Cartax), who provides some of the filthiest versions of classic fairy tales that I've ever heard.

XL Cabaret is an interesting space, and seems well suited for burlesque.  Hopefully this will turn into a regular event.

Hairy Tails & RhymesCreator/Director/Choreographer - John Paolillo
Cast: Audry Hamilton, Brandon Mason, Pixie, David Thomas Guggino, Jubilee Diamond, Luxury Cartax, Marisa Jo Merless, David Gifford, and Holly Dae

With special guest Molly "Equality" Dykeman
XL Cabaret
512 W. 42nd Street (btw 10th and 11th Ave.)

Tuesdays in July (remaining shows on the 24th and 31st)
8 PM (seating at 7 PM)



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