All words and photos: PJ Rey

Red Palace’s last hurrah featured a who’s who of local variety performers. Unlike typical burlesque shows, where each performer gets two sets, “GiGi Holliday Ladies Night Out presents: Last call!” ran straight through a slate of eleven performers (including GiGi Holliday herself). Hot Todd Lincoln joined the cast as a co-host to help keep this epic show on its rails. Red Palace regular Ruby Rockafella, acting as stage kitten, had the unenviable task of cleaning up after several food-related acts (popcorn was tossed, cakes were straddled… see photos).

The full lineup included (in chronological order): Missy Aggravation, Cherie Sweetbottom, Charlie Artful, Candy Del Rio, Malibu, Maria Bella, Hot & Bothered, Mourna Handful, Swami YoMami, GiGi Holliday (below, left), and Kay Sera.

The room was absolutely packed for this event. Holliday asked how people were at their first burlesque show and a surprising number of hands shot up. Apparently, many folks wanted to seize the last opportunity to say they saw burlesque at The Palace. As the night came to a close, Holliday announced that not only was this the last burlesque show at The Palace, but it was also the last gig that she plans to produce. Holliday then got a little teary-eyed on stage; much of the audience did too.

The good news is that, in a post-Red-Palace new year, local variety acts are already finding new homes. And who knows? One may just be in your neighborhood.

[Correction: Though GiGi Holliday is no longer producing "Ladies Night Out," she has moved on to produce "Zou Zou Revue" at The Black Cat.]