New Jersey’s own Brett Colby brings his own dashing and daring version of burlesque to The Corsettes as Oliver Roxoff in this new and seductive show. The show and its cast are a unique addition to the Asbury Park arts landscape, with more dates being added. Out In Jersey’s entertainment editor Cookie sat down to chat with Brett about what brings people back to the brash and bawdy world of burlesque over and over. He also wanted to know what the gang has planned for their show at Paradise in Asbury Park, and how the arts have influenced this talented performer.
You and The Corsettes are hitting Paradise in Asbury Park on Saturday, March 4th for another big burlesque show! What can the guests expect at this show?
Brett Colby: I am so excited to bring The Corsettes to Asbury Park! We performed a few years ago at Asbury Lanes, but this is an all new stripping, singing, and comedy extravaganza with a ton of sexy ladies and gents. This show is equal opportunity, appealing to men and women, straight and gay. But since its Paradise, I just might be stocking it with a few extra sexy guys!
What do you think it is that keeps people coming back for burlesque shows in general?
BC: Burlesque, and particularly our group, has a pretty broad appeal because it’s really a full theatrical experience. Every show is new and original, with a great mix of pop, rock and theatre songs. We have fans that see every show, and I can’t wait to be doing this at Paradise for the first time.
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or those that have never seen the show, how would you describe it?
BC: In one word, we call the show a “Caburlesque,” Cabaret and Burlesque — we’ve got stripteases by some hot boys and girls, singing, dancing, live musicians and comedy. Every performer brings a different style and talent to the show, and every show is new and different!
You’ve performed in many productions in Asbury Park and beyond. What are some of your favorite moments from the stage?
BC: Probably one of my all-time favorite performances was as the Narrator in “Rocky Horror Picture Show” at the Carousel. The cast was so talented and fun, and performing in the carousel was so unique. The audiences were wild, so the show was always fresh and unique depending upon their reactions.
As a member of the community of Asbury Park, what do you think we can do in our own community during such a trying and politically polarizing time where are our rights could potentially be at stake?
BC: With successful events like the Women’s March, we are already becoming a strong voice of reason in the fight to preserve basic human rights for all. Asbury Park should be known as a model for diversity and inclusion. We all need to stay strong and positive.
Ok Broadway time; what is your absolute favorite musical that you have gotten to see? Any dream role that you would kill to take?
BC: Anything by Stephen Sondheim. Sunday in the Park with George might be my favorite, so I’m excited that it’s coming back to Broadway with Jake Gyllenhall. Hmm, all the theatre roles I want seem to be women’s roles, except I’m not a drag queen. So sadly, unless Christy Girlington takes me under her wing, I may never get to play Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard.
The arts in schools are so terribly important. What impact have the arts had to your life as an adult?
BC: The arts shaped and saved my life as an adolescent, and I made performance a career. In my twenties, I performed internationally in operas. In my thirties, I transitioned into nonprofit fundraising for arts organizations. Now at 41,after a 5 year hiatus, I’ve found a new passion for performing and seem to be diving back in that pool headfirst.
Where can we see Brett Colby next on stage post Paradise?
BC: I’ve recently started touring with Druid, a five man group that sings pop and classical music in tight harmony. I’ve just returned from performing on a cruise ship with them, and we are now booking concert dates internationally.
The Corsettes One Night In Paradise is at Paradise in Asbury Park, NJ on March 4, 2017. Doors will open to the main room at 7, with the show at 8pm. Performance will be over by 10 pm so the dance floor can open to the general public. Tickets are cheaper when you buy them in advance at www.thecorsettes.com.
