To the Prytania!

As I stated in a previous blog post, the Prytania Theater in New Orleans is one of my favorite places in the entire city. I headed there last Wednesday to catch Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) staring Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe. After the movie, I stumbled into a 45-minute conversation with two New Orleanians about the birth of burlesque culture in New Orleans around the mid 20^th century, and how themes of burlesque are embedded in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Apparently, there is a man in New Orleans who is attempting to revive burlesque culture on Bourbon Street, and is employing classically trained dancers to perform alongside a traditional jazz ensemble. If I am not mistaken, Rick Delaup, a local New Orleanian, is the creative genius behind this revival. The New Orleanians, who I spoke with described the revival burlesque as a classy and sophisticated show that attracts a wide audience in the city.