Continuing to push its mantra that its performances are “sexier than naked.”
Continuing to push its mantra that its performances are “sexier than naked,” the Athens-based burlesque group, Moonstruck Burlesque, is storming the Jackie O’s stage for their “Back to School Sizzle Show” on Saturday night.
“We hope our viewers feel inspired to do something creative and try something different,” said Coco Levine, co-founder of Moonstruck Burlesque. “We want to empower women, men and everyone in between and encourage them to embrace and love their bodies no matter what size, shape or color they are. We want to educate our crowd about burlesque, and most of all we want everyone to have fun.”
While Moonstruck has performed in Jackie O’s before, this show marks the special occasion of introducing their newest member Ava Gold in her first performance with the group. Performing near the top of the bill, Gold is said to be excited and nervous about her first performance with the scantily clad ensemble.
“We are all really excited to have her with us,” said Rena LaMarr, co-founder and producer for Moonstruck. “She is really excited. Nervous and excited for this show, we’re all really excited to have her with us.”
The show will also be welcoming Rubenesque from Cleveland for this performance and Aaron Ashby as Moonstruck Burlesque’s special guest for the night. Touchstone the Clown will MC the night with music and a game.
“I’m looking forward to this show because I have never seen a show like this before, and one of my best friends will be performing,” said Jay Mobbs, a construction worker for L&S and recently owner of J.A.Y.S. yard supply. “The girls are very excellent when it comes to promoting their upcoming events.”
Since 2013, the burlesque group has performed all around Athens and various cities in the U.S., growing a bigger following with each show.
“Some friends and I went to the last Moonstruck show at Casa over the summer (and) we had a good time,” said Taylor Reckers, a fifth-year studying industrial and systems engineering. “We kept up with them through Facebook for this next show date.”
More than anything, the group hopes that its performance moved or entertained its audience one way or the other.
“We always want our audience to go away with a great time,” LaMarr said. “Whether they laugh or cry or are just entertained, we want them to feel whatever they think is right.”
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