Ixion Burlesque Company - ProfilesArchive

About Me

Ixion Burlesque first opened in NYC in October of 1868. That show, promoted by PT Barnum, starred burlesque legends Lydia Thompson and Pauline Markham. The original Ixion cast toured the United States until the mid 1870's. Ixion Burlesque Company was reconstituted (and trademarked) in early 2003, and recreated some of the original company's Greek Mythology based travesties. Today we continue to research and uncover information about the company's past and its founders. At the same time, we try to create new shows in that mid-1800's "Epic Burlesque" style. All Ixion events include, without exception, 100% LIVE MUSIC!
Ixion currently produces four distinct shows: "Georgia Sothern & the Minsky Follies", "Beatles Burlesque", "The Down and Dirty Lounge" and our latest: "The Merkins of Venice" an epic burlesque remake of one of this company's 19th century hits.
Previously we have produced "Ixion" (2003/4 starring WORLD FAMOUS *BOB*), "The Muses" (2004 starring DIRTY MARTINI), "Daphne" (2004/5 starring RUBY VALENTINE), "The Pleiades" (2005/6 starring VERONICA VARLOW) and "Gypsy Rose Lee" (2007 starring BURGUNDY BRIXX).
NEXT SHOW: THURS. JULY 24 - "THE MERKINS OF VENICE" starring LADY LUCERNE, VENUS VELOUR, STRAWBERRY CREAM PUFF, SOPHIA BERLIN and... At Bowery Poetry Club - doors at 8:30, showtime 9:00 pm
GEORGIA SOTHERN in the early 1940's

My Interests

Lydia Thompson in her most famous costume - Ixion 1868

I'd like to meet:

The musicians of the Yiddish Theater in 1930.

and 1895

Music:

Flyer for remake of "Ixion" - Fall 2003

Flyer/Photo of Lydia Thompson, Oct. 1868
Reused for the revival of "Ixion" in May 2003

Movies:

"Lady Of Burlesque" 1940 starring Barbara Stanwyck and Gypsy Rose Lee

Television:

Instead of watching TV, I recruited and launched the burlesque careers (ie. presented the world debuts) of: MOLLY CRABAPPLE (founder of Dr. Sketchy's), VERONICA VARLOW (int'l burlesque star), RUBY VALENTINE (int'l burlesque and TV star), SOPHIA BERLIN (winner of 2007 Coney Island Pinup Award), plus HONEY BIRDETTE, CREME BRULEE and countless newbies who dropped out of burlesque too soon...

MOLLY CRABAPPLE flyer for Ixion - Fall 2004

Books:

Complete works of Dylan Thomas. Almost any history book. The early Greeks Saphho, Lycophron, Ovid, etc.

Heroes:

PT Barnum and The Minsky Brothers

My Blog

CLASSIC BURLESQUE w/ GEORGIA SOTHERN !! - JUNE 26

Ixion presents a tribute to Burlesque Legend GEORGIA SOTHERN on Thurs. June 26. We've recreated the acts that Georgia did with the Minsky Follies on 42nd Street during the 1930's. Ru...
Posted by Ixion Burlesque Company on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:51:00 PST

Whos who in upcoming Ixion shows

Below is Ixion's lineup for the Summer of 2008: THE MERKINS OF VENICE In the 1870's Lydia Thompson's troupe didn't only do "Ixion". They always toured with a 3 show repertoir - and o...
Posted by Ixion Burlesque Company on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:18:00 PST

This week in Ixion history (exactly 130 years ago)

This article appeared in the New York Times on June 11, 1878. The article is interesting in that it gives a glimpse into the stresses of the burlesque scene in the 1870's - and also documents th...
Posted by Ixion Burlesque Company on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 12:18:00 PST

GEORGIA SOTHERN goes to CONEY ISLAND - Fri. May 30th

Ixion Burlesque presents: "Georgia Sothern & The Minsky Follies" Georgia Sothern was a star at Minsky's on 42nd Street between 1932 and 1937. Ixion presents a tribute to this burlesque legend...
Posted by Ixion Burlesque Company on Wed, 28 May 2008 12:42:00 PST

Interview with Georgia Sothern !!

This interview with Georgia Sothern appeared in "The Harvard Crimson" on March 6, 1939. At the time, Georgia was in Boston performing at a nightclub called "The Hub".REAL ART REQUIRED TO BE BURL...
Posted by Ixion Burlesque Company on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 11:23:00 PST

GEORGIA SOTHERN @ Bowery Poetry Club

Ixion Burlesque presents "Georgia Sothern" at Bowery Poetry Club onThursday, March 27 at 9:00 pmGeorgia Sothern began her performing career in vaudeville, and by the age of 13 was working as a burles...
Posted by Ixion Burlesque Company on Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:40:00 PST

Ixion present "Beatles Burlesque" episode 3 - Thurs. Feb. 28

The 3rd installement of Beatles Burlesque - in which Doris gets her oats! With special guest - Yoko Ono !!...
Posted by Ixion Burlesque Company on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 08:56:00 PST

BEATLES BURLESQUE - Thurs. 12/20 at Slipper Room

Posted by Ixion Burlesque Company on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 11:55:00 PST

122 years ago today in Ixion History

This small article appeared in the New York Times on December 5, 1885. It is significant because it documents the collapse of the last touring Ixion Burlesque related troupe. Pauline Markh...
Posted by Ixion Burlesque Company on Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:16:00 PST

IXION - debut at Bowery Poetry Club - Nov. 28

Ixion will hit Bowery Poetry Club on Wed., Nov. 28 at 10:00 pm We have an awesome lineup and a new brand new show ! Starring: AMELIA DANGER, LIL MISS LIXX, PLUM MANCHEGO, LA MAIA (Ixion debut!),...
Posted by Ixion Burlesque Company on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 09:01:00 PST