The Sugar Shack Burlesque Story

Back in 2006, Lady Satan and Miss RunAround Sue decided to put their love of burlesque, booze and general good times into their own company. They had the heart; they had the talent... now they needed a name, a venue, and the first steps to acquiring the necessary experience to become a strong production company. RunAround Sue had just been featured by fellow Richmonder, Clay McLeod Chapman in the KGB Lit Mag, and when the owner read it he called her up and offered her his theatre to produce a show. Venue? check.

So the ladies started working up the line up, designing flyers, figuring out press - but still, they didnt have a name.... One night on the train an older gentleman said to Miss Sue, " Damn girl, you look like you were born in the Sugar Shack." Name? check.

The ladies approached Jo Boobs, Veronika Sweet, Albert Cabara and Dirty Martini.... a steller line up for a debut show. It was August of 2006 and within two years, Sugar Shack Burlesque had produced over 100 shows in 5 states. The first steps to acquiring experience? check.

After their first year, Lady Satan relocated to San Franciso where she introduced Sugar Shack signature event: The burlesque danceparty. Sugar Shack West's first show at the Elbo Room sold out in 15 minutes. And with a capacity of 500 - well, that aint so bad.

Back in the Big Apple, Legs Malone had joined the family. Her wit, her thoughtfulness and her careful business thinking were a great addition to the team. Together her and Sue began to expand Sugar Shack out of NYC to the Berkshires in Massachuesettes, to Montauk, to DC....The ladies loved bringing such a positive unifing art to diverse audiences. In Montuak, the older sailors shared a laugh with the young hip Hamptons set. In the Berkshires, the inquisitive college students got dolled up and rubbed elbows with the expatriot artists who had relocated there from NYC.

Now we begin our next stage - to bring our company south. Miss Sue has strong ties to her hometown, Richmond VA and is looking forward to this new development. She found a great community at Gallery 5 and with the Burlesque dancers already working in VA.

Being a great producer - or as some say "A Great Pursuader" is a never ending journey. We hope to share our lessons, our victories, and our questions with you here. We believe strongly in collaboration, in community, and in everyone's beauty. We think humor is whats gonna get us through this life. Please get in touch, come to shows - break out your favorite song and give it a try. At the end of the day - you either stop or you keep going, so won't you come along with us?

You can find more great images on our myspace page:

www.myspace.com/sugarshackburlesque