Q&A with Eric Houghton, artistic director of Pressed Ham Productions, which brings us the K-Town Burlesque Naughty Number Nine to the Rhode Center for the Arts in Downtown Kenosha January 19th – 27th (8pm shows on Fridays and two shows, 7pm and 10pm, on Saturdays)
Q. What are your roles in the burlesque show and how long have you been involved?
A. I’m one of the original creators, so ten years. I serve as Artistic Director. I write the script, design the set, and work with a great team to keep our look and theme consistent, on brand and within budget. I also play Jack Franklin in the ongoing detective serial, which ties every show together.
Q. The word “burlesque” has gotten a bad rap in recent years by some of the prudish people. When some people hear the word “burlesque” – they may think it’s a filthy and obscene show, filled with nudity. Is that what the Ktown Burlesque Show is all about?
A. The traditional definition of burlesque is a variety show with striptease, and that’s what our show is. Of the eighteen acts, only three are dancers, and there’s no actual nudity. Our show also features a contortionist, a pole extraordinaire, a hula-hoop queen, comedy, magic, and tons of live music. The comedy is smart and bawdy, but does not fall back on profanity. And yes, at times some people will be scantily clad, but our dancers are about artistic expression and body positivity, not raunch. However, leave the kids at home, because It’s still a grown-up show.
Q. What originally inspired the creation of the Ktown Burlesque Show?
A. I was involved in a “speakeasy” themed event in Bay View. There was some comedy, some burlesque dancers, an acoustic band played music from the twenties and thirties. People flocked to this event, even dressing in twenties attire. I wanted to do something like that in Kenosha. Something festive, surprising, sexy, funny. Something old yet new, that people would talk about. I found some like minded friends, and we made it happen.
Q. What was your first Ktown Burlesque show in August 2014 like?
A. We put it together in three weeks. Once Rhode had given us the green light, we scrambled to find performers, cobbled together a band. We had canned music for the dancers, and a giant cane to pull people off stage. No set. It was a ramshackle event, but people loved it.
Q. What has your crew done to keep the show fresh over the past nine years?
A. After the first show we stopped using canned music. The band plays everything. We used to put together a new band for each show. Now we partner with the phenomenal group Tailspin, led by local musician Keith Browne. Every show has a new theme, a fresh storyline, This is our ninth KTown Burlesque, and the plot has thickened over the years. Our storyline used to be told through a few isolated sketches. Now the story it is woven through the show, bringing the audience, emcees, and variety performers into the plot. It has become a play within a play, or a variety show within a play. A variety show within a fast paced, campy, ridiculous play.
One of our favorite performers, Raven Arielle, has been with us since the first show, helping in almost every capacity – actress, dancer, lobby entertainer, stage hand, runway model, and this year she will be our emcee, alongside the talented Jerry Meyer.
Q. What new aspects will you be bringing that differ from past years?
A. For the first time the show will run two weekends, which is exciting. Naughty Number Nine has a top notch cast. Comic Dobie Maxwell, magician Glen Gerard, and Revolva, a twirling diva from Detroit, will be gracing our stage for the first time. We’re also welcoming back performers Vee Valentine, Indigo Jewel, Riley, Anne Mollerskov, Erin Riccio, and Neimo Sworld.
Q. You do two shows each night, do they differ in any way?
A. Since the show is live, every one is a bit different. There may be bloopers, or seasoned performers may try new things. The late shows can be more wild and unexpected, since the cast plays off the crowd, and the crowd is, to put it mildly, wild and unexpected by 10pm.
Q. How many people are involved to create this event?
A. Pressed Ham Productions has a core group of six, each of us with designated responsibilities covering every aspect of our show. We begin meeting months in advance, and draft more people as the event grows closer. When the curtain goes up we have a cast and crew of thirty or more.
Q. What would a first-time audience member be surprised to see at the Ktown Burlesque Show?
A. They will be surprised to see tables of women enjoying a girls night out, happy couples who got a baby sitter, seniors smiling with wide eyes, remembering cabarets of their youth, and young adults donning pin striped suits and flapper dresses, all to participate in the most unique show in Kenosha.
Q. In addition to the main show, is there anything else going on at the theater?
A. There will be a piano player, and the speakeasy will be selling drinks before and during the show, as usual. As far as vendors, it remains to be seen. We’re open to having a few and probably will by show time.
Q. Does the audience participate in the show in any way?
A. There are moments when the action is in the audience and moments when some audience might be on stage. The crowd is part of the story, and they’re always encouraged to cheer for the performers, or boo the bad guys, as long as they don’t heckle. Also, you can count on every KTown Burlesque to end with a spirited singalong for everyone.
Q. Does your production company host any other events through the year?
A. In past years we’ve done sketch comedies and performed at some private events, but Ktown Burlesque has been our most popular presentation, and truly the most fun to put on. After a year off from COVID, we’ve focused less on small shows and more on bringing Kenosha an even better quality KTown Burlesque.
Q. Where do people get tickets? Are there any VIP packages available?
A. Tickets are available at ktownburlesque.com. General admission is $25, and seats will probably be available at box office on the nights of the show. The tables at the front of our stage cost $150 for a four top and $300 for an 8 top, and include bottle service. Those go pretty quick, so if you want a table I recommend purchasing in advance.
For more info, find their Facebook event page here
Showtimes:
Friday January 19th 8pm
Saturday, January 20th 7pm
Saturday, January 20th 10pm
Friday January 26th 8pm
Saturday, January 27th 7pm
Saturday, January 27th 10pm
Reserve your seats now! Click here for tickets!
Q&A and photos by Jason Hedman
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(This article first appeared in Vol 16. #4 2023/24 Go Downtown Kenosha Magazine)
