Hawaii Tribune-Herald Island Beat Thursday, December 22, 2016 9 Thompson’s parents are actors. She did theater as a child but was told burlesque and stripping were the only things she wasn’t supposed to do. “Of course, I wanted to find out why it was so bad,” she says. “I did my research and discovered it’s just fun. It’s tongue in cheek. I’m not just taking my clothes off, I’m making you laugh and I’m telling a story.” Her biggest challenge in recruiting new performers or explaining what burlesque is involves convincing people she isn’t just asking them to take their clothes off. “But once I get people to fall in love with burlesque, they can’t stop doing it,” she says. Burlesque newbie Sandy Deez is ready to hit the stage as Tannenbaum, one of a trio of sisters who are a mix of the Three Stooges and the “plastics” from the movie “Mean Girls,” Deez explains. “The sisters are comedy relief and something to laugh at throughout the show,” Deez says. “As someone who really enjoys making other people laugh, it’s really fun to be sister Eleanor. It’s an incredibly fun trio.” This is the first time Deez has had an opportunity to do burlesque and she is excited, to say the least. “I’ve been keeping up with the Acme Hourglass Burlesque Company since I first heard about them,” Deez says. “At the Pride Parade this summer, I saw their float and they all looked like they were having such an amazing time. More than that, as I’ve gotten to know a few of the people, they are very inspiring and smart and hilarious and just really amazing people.” Amber Lopez, aka Ms. Hot Tama-Lae-Lae, says burlesque is her way of expressing herself outside of the “traditional box.” Fun facts about Tama-Lae-Lae: she believes that menudo is the only way to fix a broken heart and cure the common cold; she loves the color turquoise; and dislikes stale taco chips. “It’s theatrical and fun,” she says of creating a stage character and performing. Lopez, a professionally trained dancer, will be bringing her mix of “tacos, tequila, sombreros and mariachi music,” she says. “There will be some traditional folklorico dancing as well as Mexican kicking, cancan style, too.” So, if you’re up for something different, fun and a little risqué, “Holiday Hangover” might be just what you need. “Who wouldn’t want to end the year with a holiday experience that you’ll never forget?” Deez says. “There are so many talented individuals who are going to be a part of the show, and it is just a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Every show is unique and wonderful and creative, and it’s going to be something the audience will remember forever. If you want to be a little aroused and incredibly entertained, it’s definitely the show you want to see!” Adds Thompson, “We just want to make people smile. It’s been a difficult year, and we need to laugh and realize it’s about art and culture.” The proceeds from this night of fun will go to help the Palace Theater as well. “As a nonprofit, the Palace lives by grants, donations and fundraisers,” Bahurinsky says. “All of our ‘Palace presents’ events are fundraisers. Sometimes they are for a specific project and sometimes, (like this one), the funds will be designated for operations. “The cost to run the Palace on a daily basis is always factored into our yearly budget but unforeseen repair costs or loss of revenue like we had this summer can really strap us financially. This will help get us back on solid ground.” Tickets are $20 general admission, side reserved seats are $25 and center reserved are $30. All seats will be $5 more on the day of the performance. Guests must be 18 years or older to enjoy the show. Doors open at 7 p.m. The show starts at 8 p.m. Visit the Palace Theater box office from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday or call 934-7010. BURLESQUE From page 7 Courtesy photos Ms. Hot Tama-Lae-Lae (also on cover), left, and Lady Lily La Douce at Jane Wiedlin’s Panty Party in 2015.
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