A local independent production called Boolesque makes its debut this weekend.
For the unacquainted, Boolesque is an 18-act, Halloween-themed burlesque show featuring a variety of performances, ranging from live singing, to comedic acts, to drag and burlesque striptease.
Performer Mikala Abbott said she got involved with Boolesque because she thinks there's a place for things that scare and intrigue us at the same time.
“I feel like fear and eroticism aren't as separated as people think they should be,” said Abbott, adding that the show has acts drawing on everything from pop culture to horror tropes.
“There are a lot of good acts that kind of defy expectations in really fun ways,” she said.
The show is co-produced and directed by Breanna Bray, Paige MacIntosh and Samantha Marriott.
“We really just want to give performers an opportunity to be on stage, it's an all gender, all human show,” Bray told Yellowknifer in a recent interview during a break in rehearsals at The Top Knight..
Auditions for Boolesque were first held in August but they've been planning this show since May.
“We've got 23 performers and 18 acts, so there's a bit of overlap, lots of originals, some people that are new to doing burlesque and some people who have done it quite a bit,” said Marriott.
Each performer was responsible for auditioning and creating their own performances around the theme of Halloween.
“And we told people whatever you think of as Halloween. For some people that's dark and gory and scary, for some people it's the pretty witch in Bewitched,” said Marriott.
All three producer-directors said they've been impressed with the variety and creativity of the performances people came up with.
“It's a really good variety, I feel like it covers everyone's different version of what Halloween could be, which is really nice,” said MacIntosh.
“There are definitely pieces that will surprise you,” added Abbot.
Both cast and crew are volunteers, and show expenses will be paid by ticket sales.
The pop-up Halloween burlesque show will take over the Top Knight on October 26 and 27.
Both nights are now sold out.
For full Halloween events listings, please see YK Buzz in Friday's Weekend Yellowknifer.