This is Burlesque (Corio restaurant)

BOTTOM LINE: If you like burlesque, you will LOVE this show!

This is Burlesque is a complete burlesque show with a hilarious host, beautiful women, and sexy red lighting. The host of the show, Murray Hill, is a DRAG MASTER! He is also one of the best comedians I have ever seen; he has mastered the art of improv. His interaction with the audience is pure brilliance and he is right at home in the world of burlesque. This show is perfect for a fun night on the town!

The dancers include Angie Pontani, Peekaboo Pointe, Helen Pontani, and Ms. Saturn. Angie Pontani is the “Reigning Queen of Burlesque” as she just won “Miss Exotic World 2008” in Las Vegas. She is absolutely gorgeous and has a refreshingly curvy body. In her opening act, she mounts a drum and actually plays it; I have to say it was pretty damn sexy.

Helen Pontani is beautiful and amazingly talented. Not only is she a fabulous tap dancer, she also is the costume designer of the show (and the costumes are all gorgeous, sexy, and creative). Peekaboo Pointe does things with tassels that I didn’t think were possible. And Ms. Saturn is incredibly skilled as the queen of the hula hoop; at one point she had so many hula hoops going on her body that I lost count.

Corio is the restaurant that houses this burlesque show. As for the food, the prices are very expensive (even for New York) but it definitely smells good. Check out Corio's menu here. However, I was less than enchanted with the glass of Shiraz that I ordered. What you really need to know: Beer runs $7-9, wine is $8-10, and mixed drinks are $12-13. Side note: the chairs without backs aren't very comfortable, make sure you request a table with seats with backs if you care about that sort of thing.

(This is Burlesque plays every Thursday and Friday at 8pm and Saturday at 7:30pm and 9:30pm at Corio, 337 West Broadway at Grand Street, right on the corner. Tickets are $25, available at 212-966-3901 or smarttix.com. For more info visit thisisburlesque.com.)