2nd Annual Geeks & Cheeks Nerdlesque Show
Chimera Ballroom
Tulsa
May 18, 2024
A truth that embarrasses me: Before last weekend, I’d only been to one burlesque show ever. I believe that was in 2018, and I know it was the Pearl District Peepshow at Lot 6. And I loved it — I cannot account for why I’ve failed to keep up with this segment of Tulsa talent. But, thanks to Night Muses, a burlesque production company founded in 2022, I got to make up for my old-fogey tendencies on Saturday night. The second annual game-themed “Geeks & Cheeks” was a great reintroduction.
Our emcee was Ceej the Troll, who opened the night cosplaying a frisky, gender-bendy Mr. Monopoly. After their performance, they donned what I think was a Harlem Globetrotters jersey. “Because it’s game-themed,” they said. “This is a real team, right?” The crowd had no answer. It was nerd night, not jock night. Next came Acecapades, a two-spirit circus performer who got nerdy and dirty — and limber and acrobatic — onstage as an Animal Crossing character.
Before Rebel Renee came on, Ceej warned us the next act featured one particularly loud sound: “We all like a good warning before a good bang.” Cue a game-night classic: Clue. Was it the rope? The revolver (hence the bang)? The knife? Our sleuth worked to crack the case, shedding her cape and seducing her audience — allure, the ultimate weapon — along the way. Trans Ginger as Samus from Metroid followed, in a costume she made entirely on her own. She shot beams and projectiles with her girthy arm cannon, and I felt comfortable being her captive.
Roxy Rockette, as The Lamb from video game Cult of the Lamb, wrapped up the first set. I wasn’t familiar with the game, but, hell, I’d join. When the ten-minute intermission came, the crowd (mostly made up of couples, several of which seemed to know the ropes and several who seemed to be spicing it up) bustled about for coffee and house booze specials from the cafe. By this point, I felt a tad less awkward and significantly more invigorated. One thing to know if you’re a Burly Q newbie: You’re a part of the show, really, in that your oohs and ahhs and ow!s set the tone. In my (two) experience(s), it’s a pretty interactive type of performance.
If the audience somehow hadn’t warmed up by set two, they’d get a crash course with the next act: Aero’s naughty Mad Libs sing-along. Aero went into teacher mode, instructing us to choose various parts of speech to fill in a Disney classic. And we’d have to sing, too: “If y’all want me to take off my clothes, I can’t be holding the mic.” The result: “Can you [blank] the [blank] tonight?” Use your imagination.
Then Rosie Nipelle really sauced it up. I think the Japanese video game series she gave tribute to, Danganronpa, is a fairly niche game, but her antics (think lots of pink goo) were sticky and fun for everyone. Then came the beguiling and slightly intimidating Casper, whose perky athleticism was the perfect match for Street Fighter’s Cammy.
A strong, sultry Cleo brought to life Abdirak from Baldur’s Gate 3. For those like me who are more book-nerdy than game-nerdy, apparently Abdirak is the servant of the “Maiden of Pain.” Halfway through, a guest joined onstage for a healthy dose of raunch. (Note that the photos I’m sharing were not taken at peak naughty moments.)
Then I learned the night actually doubled as a birthday party for Night Muses’ producer Trixie Noir, whose Candy Land-inspired performance was fittingly sweet and spicy. Decked out in a shiny lollipop-forward frock, matching evening gloves and bejeweled heels, she romped through the crowd, serving looks and actual candy bracelets (I got one!) as a living Princess Lolly. (Apparently her costume was also made by Trans Ginger.) Penny Slayne brought us the final slay with a Silent Hill rendition. This might have been the creepiest act of the night, but still it brought the heat, rousing us just a touch further: a sizzling culmination.
What I loved most about this show was how differently each performer approached burlesque: some were silly, some sweet, some scary, some sensual. But all sexy. They were all impressive, and they knew what they were doing. Thank god I remembered to bring cash for tips. (Bring cash for tips! If you can’t though, they do offer payment through one of the cash apps.) They got every last dollar I had, and damn, did they deserve it.
Next at Chimera: Crystal Pistol, May 25
