I spent my most recent Saturday at a place called The Spot.  The upstairs area of this venue contained tables and chairs, a bar, and a stage.  I knew what I was here for, yet did not know what to expect.  This place, or Spot as it was, reeked of a casual crowd, all gazing their gawpers on the site of anticipated entertainment.  The stage was small and intensely surrounded by seating.  When the program begins, a woman of impressive bust and brogue introduces our evening and primes us for the main events.  She is soon interrupted and joined by a goofy gentleman claiming to be the "king of mardi gras."

After much messing around by our initiating characters, the Dames make their confident entrance, beginning with a humorous first dance that included tickling and teasing the "King of Mardi Gras." This I must say was also my favorite number, and not just because one of the Dames took a seat on my knee(!).  The momentum throughout the show is steady and succeeds at keeping your attention.  The girls can really dance, and the outfits look and work well within the performances.

The show as a whole was wildly entertaining.  The method of alternating skits and dances is one that wins, keeping the pace and overall flow fresh and engaging.  There is also a lot of audience interaction, including of course plenty of bead throwing.  But even if you don't catch any beads, or become a human chair for one of the fine ladies, with the space being so intimate you feel part of a privileged group when you attend.  A show of hands before the show proved that there is definitely a following for the Dames.  This was my first time seeing a Flaming Dames show, and with not being let down, I will also probably attend again.

Bourbon Street Burlesque will be running Friday nights at 10:30 pm February 20^th and 27^th, and Saturday Nights at 8:30 pm on February 21^st and 28^th, 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.  Half price tickets available while supplies last at www.goldstar.com.