On Friday, June 24, The Mad Hatter Boutique and Aimee’s Academy of Dance, both of Seymour, will premiere “America the Beautiful: A Modern Burlesque Performance” at the historic Strand Theater in Seymour.
The patriotic-themed burlesque show will be performed and produced entirely by volunteers, with all proceeds benefitting the Strand Theater’s restoration fund. Friday’s opening night performance begins at 7 p.m. with a cocktail hour following the performance.
“America the Beautiful” will also be perormed on Saturday, June 25 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 26 at 5 p.m., with a cocktail hour following both performances.
Comprised of both burlesque and cabaret style numbers, “America the Beautiful” is a tribute to American culture and the arts from the 1940’s through the present day. The retrospective show will take a look back at American history and also pay homage to the United States Armed Forces.
“Like most ideas I have, the show was created on a whim, and while it is about charity and business networking for a good cause, it is also about a lot more than that,” said Meg Tarby, owner of The Mad Hatter Boutique and creator of “America the Beautiful.” “From our initial meetings and auditions, to the rehearsals and all the time spent preparing, “America the Beautiful” has brought together complete strangers to collaborate creatively. We are certain that you will not be disappointed with the result.”
Some of the local volunteers and businesses involved in the production of “America the Beautiful” include:
● Meg Tarby, Oxford – show creator
● Alex Weston, Shelton – master of ceremonies
● Marissa Baglini, Milford – choreographer
● Kathie Vrlik, Seymour – stage manager
● Alexx Loughlin, Oxford, – stage crew (lights and sound)
● Karl Czerwiowski, Seymour and Ron Burgess Jr, Seymour – photography
● Jeff Miller, Milford and Brian Espin, Oxford – sound and music production
● Adam Martin, Oxford – music (gu itar)
● Kim Adamski, Oxford – costumes
● Some costumes provided by The Dancing Chihuahua of Seymour, My Sister’s Place of Ansonia and The Mad Hatter Bo utique of Seymour
● Hair/Make-up provided by The Body Shoppe Salon @ the Mansion of Seymour
● Advertising provided by Signs by Tomorrow of Wallingford
● Photo locations provided by Seymour Antiques
● Cocktail hour is presented by Colonial Tavern of Oxford.
“The show has really created a sense of community among the performers and producers, as well as a real buzz among the greater Seymour community,” said Judy Simpson, Chair of the Culture & Arts Commission of Seymour, which is supervising the performance. “We are thrilled and grateful that such initiative was taken to not only benefit the Strand, but also our town’s budding arts scene.”
“America the Beautiful” is for ages 18 and older, but will not contain any nudity. Tickets are $30.00 for 21 and older, which includes two drinks during cocktail hour, and $15.00 for 18 to 20 year olds.
For more information, to purchase tickets or to donate to the Strand Theater’s restoration fund, please visit strandtheaterburlesque.org, or visit The Mad Hatter Boutique, located at 5 Bank Street. More information can also be found on the Facebook page for “America the Beautiful.”
