2013-02-11 18:41:27 - 2nd Annual PA Burlesque Festival (Philly) Draws International Acts and Donates to Habitat for Humanity

Philadelphia, PA, February 11, 2013

Corset maker and Burlesque producer Brooke Au Buchon (AKA Madame Corsetiere) hosts the 2nd Annual PA Burlesque Festival on March 8 and 9, 2013. Performers of the classic art of “strip tease” converge on Plays and Players Theatre (Rittenhouse Square) from across the USA and as far away as London with hopes of receiving the Crystal Corset Award and $1,000 cash. This year, the PA Burlesque Festival has pledged to donate a portion of its ticket sales to Habitat for Humanity’s Disaster Relief Fund to benefit families displaced by Hurricane Sandy.

The tantalizing cousin of Vaudeville, Burlesque and its glamorously costumed dancers were once a staple of American nightlife. The art of the elegant strip and tasteful

tease has re-experienced a groundswell of enthusiasm in recent years. Often overshadowing the allure of seedy “gentlemen’s clubs,” Burlesque caters to crowds of twenty-somethings and retirees alike. Dazzled by the elegant, clever costumes and varying themes, audiences are thoroughly enjoying this seductive celebration of the human body.

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization formed in 1976 that builds affordable housing for families in need worldwide. Since its inception, it has built or repaired over 600,000 homes and served over three million people globally. Hurricane Sandy devastated areas of eastern New York and New Jersey in October of 2012, destroying homes and leaving others inhabitable due to needed repairs. Habitat for Humanity is aiding in the clean up, repair, and rebuilding efforts through volunteer workers and donated materials and equipment.

The PA Burlesque Festival is donating a portion of its proceeds to Habitat for Humanity towards these efforts, as well as collecting non-perishable food items for the New Jersey FoodBank both nights. The PA Burlesque Festival features two different shows at Plays and Players Theatre (1714 Delancey Place.) Friday March 8 is Friday Night Delight, headlined by 2012 Crystal Corset Award winner Deanna Danger (Richmond.) Burlesque legend Penny Starr Sr. (Philadelphia) presents a rare performance in her classic 1950’s gown and glove style.

Saturday, March 9 is The Big Reveal, where established and new Burlesque talent alike submitted to a stringent application process in order to be considered to compete. Accepted performers will then be juried at The Big Reveal based on stage presence, originality and audience reaction.

Producer Brooke Au Buchon states, “Even though Sandy blew out long ago, the need is still very real. Some might believe home is just where you hang your hat, but I know that home is where your heart is. Displaced families are just hanging their hats right now, but Habitat for Humanity is working to get them back into their homes so that this misfortune can be just a memory.”

More about the PA Burlesque Festival, including performer biographies and ticket information can be found at www.PABurlesque.com.