Peach Tartes Get Freaky

Summertime means many things to people, but for me, the hot and humid nights call for a romp to Coney Island. Every Friday night among the glittering games, towering Wonder Wheel and loud-booming music pouring from the Polar Express, fireworks are set off about 9:30 on the beach. They are so close you can smell the burning explosives mingling with French fries and Nathan’s hot dogs, which by the way you now let you know just how many calories you are pumping into you sweaty beach bound body.

One of the best parts about going to Coney Island is stopping by Sideshows by the Seashore, a classic “freak show” and cabaret venue. Take a break at their freak show bar on your way to the Cyclone and sample a Coney Island craft lager by Shmaltz. Choose your favorite freak from the “Sword Swallower” steel hop lager to “Albino Python” white lager, all images modeled after real, live freaks. And, if you happen to be there on a Thursday or Friday night, indulge in the wonderful world of burlesque and Sideshows weekly Burlesque on the Beach.

This past Friday I was treated to The Peach Tartes, a storytelling burlesque troupe, and their special guest, The World Famous *BOB* and her “big top.” And yes, that top is big. Actually, what surprised me about this show turned out to be how good the performers were. Troupe member Veruca Honeyscotch said they, “Use the act of burlesque to tell the story at a different level.” Which is exactly what they did. The show featured, now act surprised, a freak show—burlesque style. In the first act Scarlet O’Gasm and Penny Dreadfulz came out dressed as Siamese twins and proceeded to undress. The show continued with mermaids, wild animals, a daredevil and an expert ball juggler.

The main thing that made this show special was the obvious theater and dance training all the girls in The Peach Tartes have. Of course *BOB* also added to the fun as she played an innocent country girl looking for a job in a circus. Quickly she lost the cotton candy and obtained a whip, which she quite elegantly tucked under her giant breast from time to time. While *BOB* has always been entertaining, it’s obvious The Peach Tartes could hold the show up by themselves.

Sideshows by the Seashore is located at 1208 Surf Ave. in Coney Island. Average cost is $15. All Burlesque on the Beach starts at 10 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays. Check out the complete schedule: www.coneyisland.com.
by Linnea Covington