Classic Burlesque
Montauk Was Dazzled By Burlesque At Solé East
By T.J. Clemente

"Classic Burlesque" came to Montauk Saturday evening, July 5th at 11 pm at Solé East, at the backyard off of Second Hand Road. Owner David Ceva presented the show and will continue to present it every two weeks. The show was free, with a tip jar sent around to help support the talent. The show was produced by and starred "Runaround Sue," Rubie Fizz, and Legs Malone - who brought the well attended house down with their Dunkin Donut routine. That's not to say that Rubie Fizz's veils and silk costume didn't entice and delight the crowd, who cheered as the well designed costume got down to the legal limit. It seemed the crowd was equally of women and men and of people of all ages, with no apparent minors in the crowd. There were no problems with rowdiness, which is a feather in the cap of the owner, David Ceva, and his staff.

The show was titled "The Montauk Project" and consisted of a host and three dancers. The host, Nelson Lugo, otherwise known as "the charming trickster," was great, handling the Montauk crowd with ease. He did vaudeville acts which he learned at the Coney Island Side Show School. His ice picks and nails up-the-nose were more riveting than his card tricks. There were the three burlesque dancers who each performed two numbers. Producer "Runaround Sue," co-producer "Legs Malone," and "Rubie Fizz" each had the men hollering and the women laughing and clapping. Runaround Sue is a former student of Jo Weldon, founder of the New York School of Burlesque. For the last two years, Runaround Sue has been producing and performing her burlesque using costumes, gloves, huge feathers and all sorts of wardrobes to entertain men of all ages and persuasions. Runaround Sue said, "You put it on to take it off." The girls did this to recorded music which lasted about three minutes. "We put a lot of love into our costumes, we quarterback our own numbers. Each girl puts her own personality into each number." Runaround Sue stressed that the show is tasteful and very respectful to the art of Burlesque. And the crowd was very appreciative for this first in Montauk event. There was an intermission and in my opinion, the second half was even better than a well preformed first half. It included a balloon number by Runaround Sue that was simply popping at the very least. But without a doubt the last number by Legs Malone was funny, sexy, and a winner. Walking out with a full box of donuts, she proceeded to eat them in a hilarious, sexy and provocative way. This routine was first class and suitable for any HBO special...it was that good! It goes without saying the young ladies are all beautiful, talented and vivacious women. They smiled, they performed, they were a success. The applause was genuine, the appreciation sincere.

"Burlesque is unifying," Runaround Sue had told me, and after watching the show, I now know what she meant. She and all the girls were very excited things went so well and for being given the opportunity to bring Burlesque to Montauk. The buzz will be there for the next show, and I can't wait to find out what the ladies can do to top this one.

Ceva believes in "The Montauk Project" and has committed to giving the show a go with scheduled shows set for July 19th, August 2nd, and August 26th. He is "absolutely thrilled" with the project and has arranged the restaurant to accommodate an audience with seats and space and a stage. Many patrons of Solé East who stayed after dinner expressed their excitement about seeing the show. Tony Masiello called it, "A great show that really got the people excited." Linda Rebbel, who came at 9 PM for dinner and stayed when she was informed of the show said that she "loved the show," including the part when everyone sang Happy Birthday to her as she celebrated with friends. Jay Schneiderman who caught the end said, "say I wasn't here," but then smiled and said "It was great!"

Full article at:
http://www.danshamptons.com/content/montaukpioneer/2008/issue16_2008/01.html