People from all walks of life gathered last Friday at the Gryphon Theatre to experience a truly unique spectacle in the Laramie Burlesque Troupes Trick or Tease show.
The show featured traditional Burlesque acts but also showcased many other forms of creative expression ranging from hula hooping to standup comedy. The performers span all ages, professions, and levels of performance. With the title providing the theme for the night, some of the acts featured fun Halloween motifs such as deadly nurses or creatures that are found in nightmares.
Junior English major Keri Nolt, said she had several motives for attending the show.
“I have friends in the show and hope to perform in the next show,” said Nolt, “but I also think it’s a really great opportunity to express their character especially in some place as conservative as Laramie.”
Nolt said she enjoys that the profits from the show go directly to the Black Dog Animal Rescue and the Albany County Victim-Witness program, both of which are local charities.
“All the money goes to a good cause, the performers are really selfless,” Nolt said.
Two other patrons of the show were not quite sure what to expect when they decided to attend. Senior studying geology Derek Wehrle, said that he heard about the show from his coworkers.
“I mostly came to see what it’s about and see some local talent,” Wehrle said.
Lindsay Brinkerhoff, a senior visiting from Weber State, said that all she knew of burlesque she had learned from the movie, referring to the 2010 film starring Christina Aguilera.
Recent University of Wyoming graduate Amber McNew majored in theatre performance and trick or tease show performer, said that it is the acceptance and encouragement within the burlesque community that makes her enjoy performing so much.
“It’s truly a celebration about every kind of person, and backstage and during rehearsal everyone is so supportive of one another,” McNew said.
McNew said that she receives many different types of reactions from people whens she tells them she performs burlesque, but most people have incorrect misconceptions about what it is.
“Most people are taken off guard, but they end up viewing it differently after I explain it,” McNew said.
When asked what she would tell someone who was considering attending a burlesque show, McNew said it is a beautiful experience not to be missed.
“It is theatre, it’s a celebration, and it’s a good time,” said McNew. “It’s so powerful, it’s people embracing whatever they are and wherever they are.
