Review: Burlesque Under the Palms
- ThomM
- Feb 4
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 4
Immersive Scene Los Angeles 2026 review
Burlesque, when it’s done right, when it’s performed memorably, comes not just with a wiggle and a tease; it tells a story. This story is unspoken, however, conveyed through a knowing glance, a subtle hand gesture, or an enticing twirl of the hip, that somehow, some way, manages to honor the artform’s history while introducing it freshly to new audiences. "Burlesque Under the Palms," currently in an open-end Friday night run at the Sofitel Hotel Beverly Hills, is telling many such good stories.
On a recent balmy evening, Immersive Scene Los Angeles checked out the classy and timeless production by the Dollface Dames, an internationally recognized troupe dedicated to the preservation of the artform. Though burlesque has never truly faded, it is enjoying a resurgence in popularity right now, appealing to adults of all ages. That’s impressive for a performance style with roots sashaying as far back as the Victorian Era.
Burlesque reached its peak popularity in America by the 1930’s, yet a passionate band of artist performers has kept its flame alive through the decades since. Whether called by its original name or today’s variation, neo-burlesque, the art is thriving again, with numerous local troupes and performers seductively peeling away layers of exotic costumes, stopping just shy of their Birthday suits. It’s all in good fun and when practiced faithfully, burlesque is true performance art that slyly only uses the skin to lure you in. It’s those stories that keep you intrigued.
Authentic burlesque, in the hands of professionals, engages both the mind and the senses as you enjoy the obvious visuals. The tease thru striptease performances – whether sensual, humorous, thoughtful, or edgy - must convey more than just mere titillation to succeed on stage. In this spirit, nine talented performers in this weekly revue strive to create something you’ll remember long after the show is over, with several accomplishing just that.
Every performer in Burlesque Under the Palms is enjoyable, but a few stand out by creating stage personas that captivate with extra-special routines. Your favorites may differ from ours, so we won’t single out any individual act, but rest assured there’s something for everyone - from the tantalizingly slow removal of satin opera gloves to the astonishing twirling of tassels from unexpected body parts. The cabaret blends mischief, mystery, seductiveness and laughs in a nice package that pays homage to burlesque’s origins as a mix of satire meets sex.
The cast, almost exclusively female, performs solo acts reflecting their stage characters personalities - ranging from sultry to bold to playful - often infused with a knowing wink and a nod as they cleverly shed their wardrobe by mid-dance. The lively yet respectful crowd loved every minute of it. On the night we attended, each entertainer had their moments to shine, including Orchid Mei, Athena Elixir, Fannie Sinclair, Harley Harpur, Madelyn Vesper, Miss May, and the delightfully named Miss Spent Youth. There was even one male dancer, Elio, who drew enthusiastic whoops from the women in attendance with his hilarious and steamy Rhinestone Vaquero routine.
Under the assured direction of Lola Boutée, each entertainer offered their own unique interpretation of classic burlesque, combining beauty, character, humor, and well-choreographed routines, all performed with energy and role-playing commitment. Performers start on stage and eventually move through the lounge crowd, ensuring you’ll get some close-up encounters with the cast no matter where you sit - perhaps even resulting in a playful head shiner, which you’ll have to see, or better yet, experience, to fully appreciate.
Note: The cast rotates in and out regularly in Burlesque Under the Palms, with many visiting performers, so you may experience an entirely different group when you attend, but if you’re very lucky, the vibrant and saucy Booger Boobs will be your emcee. An Australian with a vivacious personality, combined with some surprising dance moves of her own, Boobs strikes up a quick rapport with the audience from the start and maintains the connection nicely during the evening as she intros each act.
Naturally, music plays a vital role in burlesque too, and while one might yearn for a small live ensemble to back the performers – there’s nothing more evocative than a jazzy tis-ta-ta-tis-cymbal tapping to compliment the burlesque vibe after all – the onstage DJ provides the cast their chosen tracks admirably in this modern iteration.
The intimate lounge, a timeless classic itself, does however present somewhat of a challenge to the experience. While a beautiful space, it was a bit over-illuminated for a show of this nature, with many toward the front of the audience nearly as well-lit as the performers. Some more thoughtful use of lighting levels and possibly the addition of a follow-spot on the performers could help enhance the overall effect of the full burlesque experience. The room did inspire a few unintended giggles of its own as several times during the night hotel guests or diners looking for the connecting restaurant walked right past the performance space and had themselves an unexpected eyeful. In any case, the space is glamorous as advertised and its deco vibe suits the ageless show very nicely.
ISLA had a throwback blast at Burlesque Under the Palms and we think you will too. It’s a fun and alluring adult night out, and you’d be hard pressed to find a more memorable good night story than this one.
Burlesque Under the Palms
Sofitel Hotel
Los Angeles
Ongoing - Fridays
Tickets: $29.75-$47.00
Adults 21+ only
