Hidden away on a non-descript block near Detroit's Fox Theatre sits one of Detroit's premier jazz clubs. But one Sunday each month an "old-timey" vaudeville show takes over the art deco splendor of Cliff Bell's, and as creator and emcee Grace Detroit said at the beginning of the May performance, "It's a raucous show!"
That's an understatement. In actuality, "Torch with a Twist" is one hell of a fun time.
Immediately upon entering the dimly lit club, guests are transported back to an earlier era where they mingle with sexy women in tight, slinky dresses and long white gloves. Handsome and dapper young men in fitted suits and hats stand at the bar and flirt with a cigarette girl as she passes by.
A more innocent time it is not, however. This 21st century club is filled with women sporting colorful body art, lesbians dancing cheek-to-cheek and wildly costumed partiers of all ages and backgrounds. Their early 20th century counterparts would be stunned silent.
But when Grace hits the stage in the first of many gorgeous gowns, the club settles down. And after some good natured banter, the three-hour night of burlesque opens with the chanteuse and her extraordinary five-piece band enthralling the crowd with popular standards. (A fan of love songs, a recent song list included the Ella Fitzgerald classic "Don't Get Around Much Any More," "Is You Is or Is You Ain't Baby" and "Someone to Watch Over Me.")
The many acts – just like the musical numbers – change nightly. ("It's whoever shows up," explained Lindsay Townes, the busy-as-heck, but totally-in-control stage manager who, with clipboard in hand, was herding the young, exotic performers toward the sign-up sheet prior to the May show.)
"Things will get kind of weird," Grace laughed after introducing May's first act, Lady Mischief. And it did, as a sensuous and frilly Dorothy Gale stripped and twirled her tassels with gusto to the tune of "Over the Rainbow." (The Cowardly Lion would have blushed, for sure!)
In fact, the ancient art of strip tease was well represented throughout the night. The lovely and vivacious Lily Larue performed a fan dance, while Jessica Rabbit helped an obviously happy audience member celebrate his birthday with a balloon dance – one popping balloon after another.
One of the most popular Torch performers is The Amazing Fleck, a seemingly shy but sweet juggler who wowed the crowd with his amazing routines. And Shoebomb whipped up some excitement with Nick the Lionhearted (wearing only a Speedo, Grace said, "for the ladies").
Other attention-grabbing acts included guest Satori Circus who embraced his feminine side; snake dancer Ms. Chantal; Warrior Girl and the very bendable Liberty (who arrived scrunched inside a suitcase); and the scimitar-wielding Lovely Lex. And the audience winced when full-figured Shetan Noir belly danced barefoot on broken glass.
The only thing missing to make the May performance a true vaudeville show was a Borscht Belt comic.
Even the two intermissions are entertaining. Simply walk outside and enjoy the traffic-stopping fire eaters and flaming baton twirlers. (But don't forget to duck if one comes flying your way!)
REVIEW:
'Torch With a Twist'
Cliff Bell's, 2030 Park Ave., Detroit. 9 p.m. June 22. Tickets: $10. For information: http://www.myspace.com/torchwithatwist.
