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4/20/2018 1 Comment

Q&A with Lola Van Ella

Q&A with International Showgirl Lola Van Ella

Cabaret Risqué: FELLA-nies and MISS-demeanors fundraiser is fast approaching! It takes place on May 5th at the Mad Art Gallery starting at 8:00 p.m. What better way to kick things off than to talk to our emcee, international showgirl Lola Van Ella? She spoke with us about all things cabaret, risqué, and burlesque!

How long have you been doing burlesque performances, and how did you get into it?

“I have been performing for 13 years; I am currently in the 13th year. I got involved through cabaret and musical theatre. Years back in 2005, I was doing a cabaret performance with some fabulous men and a woman. It was that woman that told me about Rue 13 and how they do burlesque shows on Saturdays. I decided to go check it out and it changed my life. I have been an actress, a dancer and a singer all of my life.I was also in a sketch comedy troupe. Burlesque performances just became a natural fit for me.”

How did you come to work with the Gateway Men’s Chorus?

“I was contacted by people at the Gateway Men’s Chorus who wanted to do something fun and different for their Cabaret Risqué event. They said my name was tossed around, that when they asked who should host the event if they had heard of me and that I would be a great choice for the role. I was the emcee for the Main Stage at PRIDE St. Louis and had introduced the Gateway Men’s Chorus, but had never had the chance to work with them prior to this.”

What acts should people look forward to seeing at Cabaret Risqué?

“One group is my troupe called the Bon-Bons made of graduating students from Van Ella Studios. They are showgirls, perform choreographed pieces, and are wonderful solo performers. I have a sample of the Bon-Bons coming. Maxi Glamour is coming to perform a burlesque meets drag performance. Adam Surge will also be performing.”

“Ami Amoré, one of the teachers at Van Ella Studios and well-known beloved belly dancer will perform on the Main Stage. She and her partner - I think his name is Trance - will dance together. Misty Lotus will be coming from Switzerland. I was performing in Berlin and I was in her show. She wanted to do a tour before coming to perform in my Show Me Burlesque Festival and it worked out perfectly for her to make an appearance in the Cabaret Risqué.”

How did you become an Internationally-Acclaimed Showgirl?

“I have been performing for a really long time. In 2009, I performed at a festival in London. I made connections with many people in Nuremberg, Germany before burlesque was popular. Many countries have a popular burlesque scenes now. I got really lucky and was invited to perform. I did my first European tour by figuring it out on my own. I also performed in Jamaica that year.”

“In 2009 and 2015, I did massive European tours including places like Italy, Germany, France, Scotland, and more, which helped people to get to know who I am. I got to connect with so many people who said, “The next time you come, you must be in my show.” That’s how it happens, people see your work and want to work with you. It feels really great to hear that people will want you to perform for the them the next time to come across seas.”

You can learn more about Lola Van Ella and Van Ella Studios at vanellaproductions.com. We hope to see you next month at Cabaret Risqué! Tickets are still available, but we encourage you to act quickly so as not to miss out.

PURCHASE TICKETS

Lola Van Ella

Maxi Glamour

Ami Amoré

Misty Lotus

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4/12/2018 1 Comment

Cabaret Risqué: Fella-nies and Miss-demeanors

What does the word cabaret mean to you? Cabaret: entertainment held in a nightclub or restaurant while the audience eats or drinks at tables. Which is a very simplified explanation of what attendees will experience on May 5, 2018 at the Mad Art Gallery.

Proceeds from Gateway Men’s Chorus’ 7th Annual Cabaret Risqué fundraiser will sustain and expand the important efforts, programs and reach of the organization. Like GMC and the he community it serves, performances will showcase a variety of acts and individuals, reflective of our combined diversity.

For those wanting the “full experience”, 100 VIP Reception tickets are being made available, providing you with a first class experience that begins one hour before doors open to the public.

You step into the Mad Art Gallery and there is a bar directly to your left. You have exclusive access to everything from a premium open bar for the entire night to hot hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour. It doesn’t stop there.

A slight of hand and an unexpected pop of magic from our magician/mentalist is sure to liven the night. Is your future bright and expectant or passionate and mysterious? Be sure to get your answers from our fortune teller. You can make anything out of blown rubber; use your imagination. Our balloon artist is sure to twist up an adult surprise for you. These festive touches are sponsored by KENHALLER.NET are exclusive to the VIP reception.

There is a wonderful sponsorship available for Main Stage performances. Picture sitting at a table for two that will be recognized by the internationally acclaimed Showgirl Lola Van Ella during the performance. Van Ella and her troupe of talented entertainments will put on a performance that is certain to entertain! Musical acts range from comedic to erotic to surreal and are only appropriate for an adult audience.

It pays to be a sponsor, but general admission and VIP guests alike will have much to look forward to. All attendees will want to keep an eye on this year’s selection of silent auction items, and bid often. (Did I mention that VIPs get first access at 7pm?)

During the Intermission, guests will enjoy a delicious dessert, coffee, and tea reception sponsored by MACSPERTISE. A rich, decadent chocolate fountain with delicious desserts to dip will add to the already sensual mood of the event. A hot cup of coffee or tea will keep you at attention; the self-serving stations will be open until the conclusion of the event.

This fun and unique annual fundraising event is sure to delight while supporting the future of the Gateway Men’s Chorus. With our VIP reception, Silent Auction, and Main Stage Burlesque performances, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to come out and support the Gateway Men’s Chorus on a night of excitement and enticement.

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Q&A with Lola Van Ella

Cabaret Risqué: Fella-nies and Miss-demeanors

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