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Gentry de Paris Revue with Dita Von Teese

Writer's picture: Paris PopcornParis Popcorn

Updated: Jan 25


Gentry de Paris
Gentry de Paris

Oh the world of Burlesque! I’m drawn into their zest, their cheekiness, their magnificent costumes, and the general dandy-like atmosphere that comes with it. I’ve even taken some Burlesque classes and learnt how to remove a pair of pink satin gloves smoothly. I have attended numerous soirees, parties and shows wearing sparkles, lace and red lipstick while sipping on scrumptious cocktails. I have mingled with, Facebook befriended and interviewed the likes of LA star Ava Garter, NY’s wild-child Maine Anders (aka Maine Attraction), Holli-Mae Johnson, editor of 21 Century Pinup and become an avid follower of Paris’ very own Porcelain Pinup, visionaries and talent, Gentry de Paris.

So yes, I am looking forward to the much-anticipated extravaganza, the “Gentry de Paris Revue with Dita Von Teese”, which will be showcased at the Casino de Paris – the birthplace of La Grande Revue – what’s more exciting is that this show will be the first Revue in 50 years!

Miss Gentry de Paris, who not only wrote the show, stars in the show and is its creative director, is on a mission to revive the Ziegfeld-follies in its purest form – with original song and dance production, a narrative storyline in two acts and 18 tableaux not to mention the lushest of lush costumes!


Hang on, there’s a modern twist too! Performing alongside Gentry will be international Burlesque beauties Millicent Binks, the English Rose, and Julietta La Doll Berlin’s Blonde Bombshell. For the first time in Paris, we will see Warren Speed, who will debut his brand of boylesque (so, now, this sounds interesting!) Have I missed anyone? uummmm, oh yes, silly me, the show star is a cute brunette called Dita….Darlings! The legendary Dita Von Teese will perform the European premiere of her new number “The Opium Den” (can’t wait! Can’t wait!)As soon as the press release landed in my inbox, I quickly contacted Gentry to give me and my Paris Popcorn readers a little sneak peek at what to expect….




me: As the artist director of the show, where did your vision and inspiration for crafting it all together come from?

Gentry: There wasn’t one single source of inspiration, but the show draws heavily on the Grande Revue format from the turn of the century, with Zeigfeld-esque opulent costumes and set decor, and the most famous, talented and beautiful strip teasers in the world…All are surrounded by a cast of award-winning singers and dancers. It’s going to look like a technicolour MGM musical coming to life.

me: So what kind of sensations can a first-timer expect to experience from seeing such a show?

Gentry: This show is going to blow their socks off! It’s a classic French theatrical format revamped for modern audiences.

me: I’m impatient to know what your costumes will look like – can you describe them to me?Gentry: In act one, I wear three outfits for one tableau—a diaphanous toga with a 5-foot train that comes apart in 3 pieces. Underneath is a feather and crystal-encrusted leotard, and under that is a Swarovski crystal-covered g-string that matches my crystal-covered pointe shoes. And star-shaped pasties, of course. In act two, I wear a corset that makes my waist 18 inches and is covered with real diamond dust. We’ve spared no expense in the costume budget to make this show glimmer and shine. My shoes are covered with 5000 two-millimetre crystals.

me: (shreeeeeeeek!!!!)

me: I’ve heard a lot of hype about Dita’s European debut of “The Opium Den” – what is it all about?

Gentry: The Opium Den is Dita’s newest number and is by far her most visually spectacular creation. I don’t think people realize that she creates her shows from A to Z. She comes up with the concept, works closely with the prop maker to realize the perfect, multi-functioning prop, designs her costume (covered with so many Swarovski crystals that it weighs more than she does) and even has a hand in the music mix. It’s a number that can only be produced on a large stage, and this will be the European debut.

me: What would you say to a person who steps into the world of Burlesque – be it as a spectator or a performer?

Gentry: I hope the spectators are charmed by the pageantry, opulent and glamour. As for burlesque performers….it’s an artistic discipline like any other. The moments of glamour are far outweighed by the hours of rehearsal, creation, costume making, booking, marketing/promotion, and travel. And exercising!

So there you have it, boys and girls! If you haven’t booked your tickets yet, I suggest you attend this event! Even if you’re not in Paris, swim over if you have to – after all, 84 years ago, this was where Josephine Baker made her debut as the “Dark Star” of the Follies Bergére!!!


Josephine Baker
Josephine Baker

Produced by KMC Productions, this show promises to “titillate and tease audiences in high-voltage vintage style” and is running from the 7 – 17 September 2009

Tickets are available through this link

photo credits: a red-feather poster of Dita Von Teese – Danielle Beddicsblack-feathers with Gentry de Paris – Aurelie Thevenin

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