Wanting a Strip Tease for Valentine’s Day?

By Vanessa Wolf

Madame Ex of the Cherry Blossom Cabaret. Courtesy photo

Well, that’s going to be particularly difficult (read: impossible) – at least on a professional level – here in Maui County.

However, if you’re willing to class it up a little bit, you might want to check out “Kiss Kiss Burlesque” at the Iao Theater on Friday, Feb. 15.

Whether you love it, hate it, anticipate it, or dread it… Valentine’s Day is on Thursday.

For the romantically challenged among us, it might seem like a good thing to sit out.

However, once Friday night rolls around, why punish yourself for your stunning good looks and psychopath homing signal? Put on that red dress/tie and get out there… or at least sit in a dark theater and still be out there.

Those who are successfully attached may be equally compelled to take in a night of entertainment aimed at “showcasing the beautiful (and the occasional not-so-beautiful) facets of love.”

The Kit Kat Cabaret. Courtesy photo

The (only) three Hawaii burlesque troupes in the islands – Kit Kat Club Cabaret, Ultraviolets Burlesque, and special guests The Cherry Blossom Cabaret from Honolulu – will be appearing together for the first-time ever for a “steamy, love-themed evening of live burlesque entertainment.”

The Maui-based Kit Kat Club Cabaret is a burlesque troupe known for their high energy, fancy footwork,
and vibrant vocals. They have been entertaining audiences with their jazzy and sultry song and dance acts since 2009.

This group of female entertainers draws its inspiration from the style and sophistication of the roaring 20s to the swinging 40s.

Ultraviolets Burlesque is Maui’s first-ever all black light burlesque troupe. Started over a year ago, the Ultraviolet’s troupe leader and director Rachel Deboer says, “Our type of burlesque is comedic. We parody the idea of burlesque by making fun of sex, relationships, and emotional situations in life through surrealistic comedy, puppetry, magical illusion, and storylines.”

Deboer explains that, “Our upcoming show – Kiss Kiss – allows us to make commentary concerning love but in unusual ways. One of our skits involves falling in love with a ventriloquist’s dummy. Another skit has Marilyn Monroe falling in love with herself. Our members take real life relationship situations as well as fantastical ideas and create custom magical black light scenes that make silly the new sexy.”

A member of the Ultraviolets. Photo courtesy Jack Grace photography.

The Cherry Blossom Cabaret is Hawaii’s premier burlesque revue. Seductive, provocative and at times outlandish, CBC is the most traditional burlesque troupe of the three.

The Honolulu-based cabaret has various influences ranging from vaudeville style theater, B-grade horror and science fiction, film noir, kitsch, historical and political satire, comedic sketches fused with an eclectic array of music. They also provide what burlesque is best known for: the art of the tease.

As for the Kiss Kiss production, Deboer commented, “I thought it was important to unite the only three Hawaiian cabaret troupes to showcase a strong female talent force on the islands, especially around Valentine’s Day.”

Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. at the Historic Iao Theater. This is an adult burlesque show, appropriate only for those 18 years or older.

Dress to impress (there will be a pre-show photo booth), arrive early for the best seats (unless you purchase a guaranteed or VIP seat), and prepare to be visually teased.

Tickets for the mezzanine or orchestra level may be available for $30 or $35 (respectively) at the door, or purchase guaranteed and VIP tickets online.

Have an idea for a fun or thought-provoking story? Get in touch: we want to hear from you. -Vanessa (@mauinow.com)