The lights dropped low at Rock Island’s Circa 21 Speakeasy on Oct. 10 as “She’s My Witch” started to play. Out of the darkness, Kitty Bardot stepped into the spotlight, her confidence instantly taking over the room. From that moment on, the crowd was hooked. Laughter, cheers and applause filled the space as the second installment of Kitty and Red’s Burlesque Revue began in a blur of talent, glitter and pure fun.
Kitty and Red are no strangers to the Quad Cities burlesque scene. With over a decade of performing and producing under their belts, their experience shines through.
Their new revue already stands out as something special, a night that combined creativity, body confidence and self-expression, while showcasing both homegrown talent and performers from across the country.
The show kicked off with Willow Wonderlust, who set the tone with a fiery succubus act that blended heat and humor. Draped in deep red and moving with a captivating mix of strength and flirtation, she had the crowd cheering from the first beat. Dahlia Cerise followed with a sultry spin on Nosferatu, equal parts funny and irresistibly sexy.
Cherry Darling kept the momentum going with a delightful blend of singing and dancing. Next, Lynchee Mynx appeared, a playful jester who blended humor, danger and seduction. Their act was impossible to look away from, and when they swallowed a sword while undressing, the crowd gasped in disbelief before bursting into cheers.
Manhattan glided across the stage behind a fan of feathers, channeling the timeless elegance of classic burlesque. Then came one of the night’s headliners, Valerie Veils from Seattle, who hit the stage as a sensuous Oogie Boogie, complete with shimmering green heels. Her playful confidence lit up the room and easily made her a crowd favorite.
The second headliner, Sweetpea from Minneapolis, brought a completely different energy to the stage. Dressed as a 1950s housewife, she playfully tied herself up in ropes with a sly, teasing smile, delivering a performance that was equal parts subversive and empowering.
Mila La Machina introduced a darker tone with a ritualistic performance that felt part burlesque, part rave. Betsey Beau Peep stunned the crowd as a Clicker from The Last of Us, proving that even horror can be sexy. Samantha captivated with a fluid and graceful belly dance, Holly Garland channeled classic pin-up devilry with vintage vibes, and Vera Vervain floated across the stage as a hauntingly beautiful ghost.
Valerie Veils performs at Kitty and Red’s Burlesque Revue. — photo by Roberta with Illuminated Scene Photography courtesy of Kitty and Red Revue 
Sweet Pea performs at Kitty and Red’s Burlesque Revue. — photo by Roberta with Illuminated Scene Photography courtesy of Kitty and Red Revue 
Calvin K performs at Kitty and Red’s Burlesque Revue. — photo by Roberta with Illuminated Scene Photography courtesy of Kitty and Red Revue 
Manhattan performs at Kitty and Red’s Burlesque Revue. — photo by Roberta with Illuminated Scene Photography courtesy of Kitty and Red Revue 
Drop Dead Red performs at Kitty and Red’s Burlesque Revue. — photo by Roberta with Illuminated Scene Photography courtesy of Kitty and Red Revue 
Mila La Machina performs at Kitty and Red’s Burlesque Revue. — photo by Roberta with Illuminated Scene Photography courtesy of Kitty and Red Revue
Calvin K., the night’s sole male performer, delivered a haunting jack-in-the-box act that was eerie and hypnotic. Plezher, visiting from Madison, somehow made roaches sexy in her bold, award-winning routine, earning every bit of the crowd’s roaring approval. Drop Dead Red brought heat to the stage with her vampiric routine, embodying a dark charm and sensuality that had every eye on her.
The night ended with a dazzling double encore. Valerie returned as a glowing alien, complete with light-up pasties, while Sweetpea reemerged as a fierce, leather-clad Catwoman.
Plezher performs at Kitty and Red’s Burlesque Revue. — photo by Roberta with Illuminated Scene Photography courtesy of Kitty and Red Revue 
Valerie Veils performs at Kitty and Red’s Burlesque Revue. — photo by Roberta with Illuminated Scene Photography courtesy of Kitty and Red Revue 
Vera Vervain performs at Kitty and Red’s Burlesque Revue. — photo by Roberta with Illuminated Scene Photography courtesy of Kitty and Red Revue
Every act brought its own unforgettable flair, making it clear that Kitty and Red’s Revue isn’t just a show, it’s a full-blown experience. With their next performance set for Valentine’s Day, marking the revue’s one-year anniversary, audiences can expect another night packed with sparkle, sass and surprises. If this show was any indication, their Valentine’s Day performance will be the kind of night you’ll be talking about long after the glitter settles.
