The Northeast Minneapolis Arts District has a new venue for an old theatrical tradition. The Minnsky Theatre opened on Central Avenue this spring with a promise to bring a vaudeville theatrical experience, with a modern touch, to the stage.
The theater occupies the space at 1517 Central Ave. NE that previously housed nimbus theatre (see page 17), and its name is a wink to both its Minnesota roots and the historic vaudeville pioneers the Minsky Brothers. Owner Alina Rae, known in the performance world as Jac Fatale, wants to re-introduce the staging of vaudeville, burlesque, and circus as a staple form of entertainment. Minnsky Theatre will be producing shows with their three resident companies the Wicked Wenches Cabaret, Minnsky Follies and Cirque De Lune.
While the Theatre intends to stage a variety of shows for all ages, some will come with this disclaimer in the program: “Burlesque is adult dance theater performed by elaborately-
costumed women (and people of all genders) who peel off those elaborate costumes while dancing or singing or performing amazing feats! There will be nudity and adult themes.”
Creating a circus-ready venue that can house casts of 20 was not simple. Extensive physical remodeling was needed including the addition of circus rig points, professional risers, a new lighting grid, and a three-tiered stage. Vintage décor including a 16ft Vaudeville Marquee adds to the art deco theme.
While a number of local theaters operate as non-profits, Fatale said about her for-profit venture, “It’s show business, so I run it like a business.” She said that Minnsky welcomes outside productions, weddings and corporate events to use the space, along with the Theatre’s resident companies.
The venue’s first two shows were produced by the Wicked Wenches Cabaret. “Pan’s Peter” and “Romeo and Juliet” were both sell-outs for their three-night runs. The Wicked Wenches Cabaret (WWC) “is a collaboration of over twenty actors, dancers, and athletic artists passionately dedicated to the mission of advocating positive physical, mental and emotional wellness by sharing their experiences through the performance art of burlesque and beyond.” WWC actors and dancers make up much of the casts of Minnsky’s productions.
A Wikipedia definition of Burlesque, paraphrased, is a theatrical caricature of serious dramas or subjects through acting, dance or music. It was introduced to the US in the 1840’s and has enjoyed an “on again off again” affair with the American public ever since, Fatale said. Burlesque encompasses comedy, vaudeville, circus and operetta acts in a variety show format. Widely considered humorous and titillating, these talents are often mixed with a form of striptease or showgirl presentations.
By the 1930’s burlesque had made stars of the most successful showgirls: Sally Rand, Lili St. Cyr, and Gypsy Rose Lee. In recent years a revival of burlesque has led to a new appreciation for the art form and a new form of dance and circus class experience. Fatale’s other business is ExperTease, a dance and circus fitness gym, which is also the rehearsal home of the Minnsky resident companies and the origin of many of the new vaudeville performers in Minnesota.
Every eight weeks, ExperTease students work to put on a two-night student showcase at Minnsky Theatre in a variety of skills such as Aerial Arts, Burlesque, Chair Dance, Belly Dance and Pole Dance. Fatale noted, “It’s an amazing workout, an encouraging environment and a huge infusion of talent to the Vaudeville and Burlesque community.”
Fatale estimates that the “Vaudeville, cirque, & burlesque community” in the Twin Cities numbers over 500, including actors, dancers, magicians, acrobats and performance artists; many of whom cross over into each other’s art forms. “We are old school artists who love bawdy vintage fun for adults and extraordinary magic and wonder for kids. We love to create productions that will make you smile and laugh because laughter is a precious thing.”
Minnsky’s next resident production is “Godfather Mario,” August 5-6.
The theater is also open for other productions, and will host the Theater of the Ridiculous and Absurd’s upcoming “VICE PALACE: The Last Cockettes Musical.”
Jac Fatale is a U of M graduate with a degree in theater and film, who has been performing for over 25 years, influenced by Julie Andrews, Carol Burnett and Lucille Ball.
First photo: Alina Rae, stage name Jac Fatale. Second photo: In the dressing room prior to performance of Romeo and Juliet. Third photo: A dancer in Romeo and Juliet, a performance held mid-June. (Photos by Mark Peterson)
