It’s part cabaret, part variety event, and part burlesque. Its overarching themes are body positivity, self-love, and acceptance: “Everybody, no matter what your body” is its mantra. Its cast is made up of a rotating assembly of professional and nonprofessional performers, dancers, and singers. And since its debut in 2009, The Fly Honey Show has moved from an intimate loft space to, as of this summer, the 150-seat Den Theatre. This year’s run is the production’s most ambitious season yet.
Still, the raw honesty and openness of previous editions remains consistent. As the show begins, dancers move throughout the audience, encouraging participation and enthusiastic consent. They twerk in the aisles and commune with each other, never allowing the presence of the audience to temper what feels like a joyous private party. Eventually, the hosts make their way to the stage, calling things to order. Rules are laid out plainly at the beginning: don’t touch the performers and feel free to say no if you’re uncomfortable.
The Fly Honey Show does pays homage to traditional burlesque and cabaret, but the production’s focus on minority voices and its inclusion of a variety of body types is nontraditional. The performance is also more interactive than the typical burlesque experience. “Personally, I don’t call it a burlesque show,” says Darling Squire, who has performed in The Fly Honey Show for five years. “It’s cabaret, but not just any cabaret either. It’s not for kids, but there’s still a family component to it. The show really reaches out to the community and tries to bring everyone together. We want to celebrate our differences and the variety of life, not focus on the things that keep us separate. Let’s celebrate the things that make up our own individual selves.”
Through 9/2: Thu-Sat 10:30 PM Den Theatre 1329-1333 N. Milwaukee 773-609-2336theflyhoneyshow.com $25-$80
