Though some presented huge, elaborate sets, known actors and a more traditional holiday message, it was New Millennium Theatre’s less extravagant production of The David Bowie Hepzikat Funky Velvet Flarney Solstice Spectacular, Live…From Space (otherwise known as the David Bowie Christmas Special 1977 Network Edit) that may have impressed me the most.
The story is based on a David Bowie Christmas variety special that never existed. However, it is not a typical Christmas special by any means. While emotionally erratic guests take turns making appearances (or attempt to do so as Marianne faithful and Iggy Pop are hardly coherent) Bizarro Bowie wants his life back claiming that he is the real David Bowie. The David Bowie Christmas Special is like none other and becomes even more insane when the Bowies confront each other. If you missed this production, hopefully it will run again next holiday season. In the meantime, be sure to check out what New Millennium has on its horizon, Police Academy: Insurgency Emergency, because it’s sure to be as out of the ordinary as their other productions such as The Texas Chainsaw Musical. In this upcoming adventure the classic characters return to the stage with a new mission - to train the Iraqi police force in an effort to secure their homeland and help protect the world from continued terrorist threats. Police Academy: Insurgency Emergency will run from March 6th thru April 11th.
Currently New Millennium Theatre Company presents The Flaming Dames in ‘Bourbon Street Burlesque’. "Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez!" Let the good times roll as The Flaming Dames take you to New Orleans without ever leaving Chicago! Audiences will find themselves in the middle of the world’s greatest party as the ladies seduce & celebrate with the kind of lust for life that only Mardi Gras can inspire! There will be beads, boobs, dancing, and The Spot’s world-famous hurricanes on special to loosen you up as The Flaming Dames deliver another fantastic show full of joy & jiggle! The Flaming Dames in Bourbon Street Burlesque will have you celebrating with all the decadence & sexiness that Mardi Gras has to offer!
The Flaming Dames in ‘Bourbon Street Burlesque’ runs Friday nights at 10:30 pm February 13 – 27, Saturday Nights at 9:00 pm February 14 – 28 with a special performance on Fat Tuesday, February 24 at 10:00 pm. All performances are at The Spot, 4437 N. Broadway in Chicago. Advance tickets are $15 and can be purchased at www.nmtchicago.org or reserved by calling 312-458-9083. Limited tickets are available at the door.
With the myriad of theatrical productions geared around the holidays, Chicagoans were certainly treated to many different varieties of fantastic shows. Though some presented huge, elaborate sets, known actors and a more traditional holiday message, it was New Millennium Theatre’s less extravagant production of The David Bowie Hepzikat Funky Velvet Flarney Solstice Spectacular, Live…From Space (otherwise known as the David Bowie Christmas Special 1977 Network Edit) that may have impressed me the most. New Millennium’s David Bowie Special at the National Pastime Theatre at 4139 N. Broadway was the comedy hit of the holidays and for good reason. An offbeat script as kitschy as shag carpeting and hilarious parodies of such prolific pop stars as Mick Jagger, Freddy Mercury, Marianne Faithful, Iggy Pop and David Bowie himself made this show a laugh fest from beginning to end. Even Nipsey Russell, Bing Crosby and Charo stopped by for some Christmas cheer.
