All burlesque buffs are sure to be familiar with the 2010 cult classic musical-meets-romance flick Burlesque starring Christina Aguilera and Cher (just to name a few from a stellar all-star cast). This Cabaret Fringe Festival, the film has been brought to life on stage with The Cinematic Sinners Presents: Burlesque The Movie. Nineteen Ten is transformed into an open-air outdoor cinema as audience members gather around poolside to watch the film on the big projector screen, along with live burlesque performances to complement each musical number throughout the movie.
Turning up the heat on a cold wintery evening and kicking off the festivities with a bang is renowned master fire manipulator Kali Savill, also known as Kraken Fire. Kali’s surprise cameo guest appearance kicked the show off with flames ablazing, twirling fire batons and swirling chalices filled with fire with inhuman ease. With the gutsy vocals of Christina Aguilera (who plays the main character of Ali) playing on-screen in the background to Something’s Got A Hold On Me, Kali is a force to be reckoned with as she commands not only the crowd and the stage, but also the ungodly flames that she wields.
Audiences are then treated to a glorious group performance to Cher’s Welcome To Burlesque, which over the years has become somewhat of a theme song for the film. Appearing from behind two blue feather fans is Mx Burlesque South Australia 2023 herself, Connie Curveball. Emulating Cher’s powerful prowess as burlesque club proprietor Tess, Connie Curveball is joined on stage by the entire cast of The Cinematic Sinners who crawl on their hands and knees to worship her.
Next up to make things shaken (not stirred) is Coco Martini, who saunters on stage wearing a sheer black tulle robe and struts her stuff to a rendition of the original blonde bombshell Marilyn Monroe’s Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend. With each piece of lingerie she removes, Coco approaches audience members to unravel diamond chains dripping with sparkles that hide beneath each layer.
Slowing things right down with a sexy, sultry number is Serafina Sinclair, who channels her inner diva as Ali’s rival Nikki to the innuendo-filled tune of Dr Long John. Incorporating the perfect combination of sass, class and plenty of ass, Serafina Sinclair immerses herself in the character and puts on an expressive performance that will leave you feeling hot and heavy.
Back on stage to recreate the iconic scene of Ali’s audition to join the burlesque troupe is Connie Curveball, who dances an incredible Wagon Wheel Watusi. Looking like a burlesque go-go dancer in her black fringe mini dress and knee-high boots, Connie Curveball shimmies and watusi’s her way across stage with ease, showing off her seasoned skills as an award-winning burlesque performer.
It’s giving sexy dominatrix policewoman vibes as Melbourne native Cora Noire is next to give it her all, and boy does she make the stage her b*tch. Making a scene with her fire-red hair and wearing a black latex lingerie set complete with thigh-high black boots, long gloves and a police hat, Cora Noire oozes steamy seduction as she drops it low and swings her hips to the sonorous sounds of Tough Lover.
They say the best things come in threes, and they weren’t wrong when it comes to the tantalising trio that is Winchester Angel, Ember Rose and Nova Mystique. Arriving on stage wearing matching lingerie sets and all sporting Ali’s signature blonde bob, the titillating triad exude playful cheekiness as they perform a gleeful chair routine in perfect synchronised harmony to But I Am A Good Girl.
Another slower, seductive number comes next as burlesque veteran Sapphire Snow shakes her tailfeather to Guy What Takes His Time. Elegantly draped in pearls, Sapphire Snow is reminiscent of Botticelli’s famous painting, The Birth of Venus, with the effortless fluttering of her white feather fans making it appear as if she is emerging from within a clam shell.
Another truly iconic song from the movie’s soundtrack has to be Express, which is performed by none other than Letitia Stitch who packs a pretty punch. Wearing the legendary black and silver hand-print lingerie set, Letitia is sassy, domineering and saucy as she commands the attention of audiences with her powerful gaze and strong body language.
Changing pace with an emotional rendition of Cher’s You Haven’t Seen The Last Of Me is Eve Elle, whose lipsynching game is so damn strong it takes your breath away. Donning a bedazzled ringmaster’s uniform complete with glittery red lips to match her red coattails, Eve Elle pours her heart and soul into her performance – so much so it would make Cher proud.
Serenading audiences with her dulcet tones and siren-like sweet melody is songbird Ava-Rose Askew, who showcases her real-life vocals to an emotional cover of Christina Aguilera’s Bound To You. Emulating the old-school sounds of vintage jazz, soul and blues, Ava-Rose Askew is a powerhouse as her hypnotic vocals ripple across the rooftop pool and cast a spell over the audience.
Ending the show on a high note, the entire cast of The Cinematic Sinners returns to the stage for the grand finale of Show Me How You Burlesque. Each performer adds their own unique flair to their character, channeling this in their interactions with the audience and each other as they parade and make good use of the overall space that Nineteen Ten has to offer. As the movie concludes in the background and the end credits roll, the crowd erupts in cheers and hollers as The Cinematic Sinners take their final bow and naturally begin an impromptu freestyle to celebrate the end of their final show for this year’s Cabaret Fringe Festival.
Featuring a star-studded shadow cast of local and interstate burlesque artists, experience the outdoor cinema like never before with live burlesque and musical-inspired acts as The Cinematic Sinners Presents: Burlesque The Movie. It’s official: The Cinematic Sinners sure know how to to host the perfect rooftop poolside outdoor cinema – I can’t wait to see what other films they adapt for our viewing pleasure in the near future.
Date: Sunday 26 May & Sunday 2 June | 7pm
Location: Nineteen Ten, 143 Hindley Street, Adelaide SA 5000
Rating: ★★★★1/2
The Adelaide Insider 