Burlesque Mon May 13 2013

Wiggle Room: Chicago's Most Intimate Comedy and Burlesque Show

By Caitlin Bergh

If you love burlesque, comedy, and BYOB venues, Wiggle Room at The Everleigh Social Club is where you will want to spend your Friday night. Wiggle Room brings huge talent to audiences in an intimate setting-- a stage surrounded by plush velvet sofas, beds and chairs.

Produced by Michelle L'amour and Franky Vivid, Wiggle Room features the World Famous Chicago Starlets (winner "Best Burlesque Group in the World 2010" at the Burlesque Hall of Fame) and some of Chicago's best stand-up comics, including host Adam Burke. On May 17 at 10pm, the show will be concluding their current run, with plans to come back in the fall.

I talked to Michelle L'amour about her one of a kind show, and why you won't want to wait until the fall to see it.

How long has Wiggle Room been running?

The show actually started with the name "Lipshtick" and we (myself and my husband, Franky Vivid) started it at the Lakeshore Theater (now the Laugh Factory). We refined the show into what you see now and renamed it Wiggle Room. We started this version at the Everleigh Social Club in 2011. We usually do a six week run in the spring and the fall.

What gave you the idea to combine comedy and burlesque?

I love comedy. I actually really admire comedians and use them as inspiration for my burlesque. I think that burlesque dancers and stand-up comedians have a lot in common. We are both solo artists who create their own material and bare their souls/bodies. I love both of the arts and I think they are very complementary in the show. Also, comedy has always been a huge part of burlesque. Milton Berle, Phil Silvers and Lenny Bruce all worked in burlesque. We thought we'd keep the tradition going.

Besides the combination of comedy and burlesque, what makes this show unique from other experiences in Chicago?

It's just a really smart and sexy show in a beautiful space, The Everleigh Social Club. The show changes every week with new dancers and new comics so we can keep it fresh. You never know what will happen at Wiggle Room!

What are some of the challenges of running a room like Wiggle Room?

Well, competing with sports is kind of annoying. I think boobies and jokes are more exciting than some guys skatin' on the ice in bulky costumes, but what do I know!

Have you had any hecklers or problematic audience so far?

Because the space is so intimate, people think they can just be a part of the show too. I suppose that's good. We're very accessible. Good news is, the comics are great and know how to handle a heckler or two. The dancers don't really get heckled, but if we do, we are wearing heels and we can high kick. I'm just sayin'.

As an artist, what inspires you to keep producing shows and performing?

Honestly, if I don't do it, who will? I have high standards and I know what I want to present and how I want to present it. This has been my motivation for over 10 years. Chicago needs this. It needs true, honest sexuality presented in an accepting environment. Oh, and Chicago needs rhinestones and feathers too.

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Wiggle Room is on Friday May 17th at 10pm (doors at 9pm). Reservations are $15 in advance ($20 at the door) or $20 in advance for VIP Seating (sofas, beds, plush chairs). Make yours at wiggleroomchicago.wordpress.com/reservations.