Vaudeville and politics

I didn't watch the VP debate last night. Instead, I was reveling in some top-notch entertainment at the Majestic Theatre. There was sword swallowing, some impressive feats of magic, burlesque, vaudeville, a live chicken, confetti galore, and lots of lovely singing. It was a hell of a good time, and my voice is still a bit raw from all the shouting.

In fact, I want to make the case for turning vice presidential debates into performances like that. Have the candidates square off with their best strip teases, magic tricks, song and dance numbers, or side show skills. Now that would be something worth watching, and I'd argue you might be able to discern more about the candidates from that sort of thing than you would from the muddy obfuscation that typically goes on during debates. No talking points. No notes. Just gloriously entertaining one-upsmanship.

The United States of Sideshow Freaks. It's gotta be better than what we've had.

UPDATE TO ADD: Photos! I didn't take many, because I was just having too good of a time to really think about photography (and I'm not sure it was technically allowed).

The Yard Dogs Road Show

Well this is fun. Apparently I'm involved enough in the burlesque/drag/performance scene now that I get to give away tickets to an awesome upcoming show at the Majestic Theatre! I'll be going to see the Yard Dogs Road Show this Thursday night, and as a special treat to Lost Albatross readers, I've got two tickets to give away to one lucky soul.

This is how it will go down:

First - Check out the Yard Dogs Road Show's website, watch some videos, and be amazed!

The Yard Dogs Road Show is a hobo cabaret, a living patchwork of vaudeville and rock and roll. In the enchanting land of stage show entertainment theirs is both pleasant and formidable terrain. They require a sensitivity to the subtle and the absurd. They lead the modern hobohemian on a visual and sonic journey through part of history that may or may not have existed – followed by an ambitious return to the emotional challenges of our punch-drunk contemporary world. It’s a true story on stage: sword swallowers, dancing dolls, fire eaters and sunset hobo poetry - all animated by the live sounds of the Yard Dogs cartoon heavy band. Yard Dogs Road Show is pure visual and sonic voodoo.

Born from the saloon vaudeville that toured the Wild West in the late 1800's and slammed into the underworld of modern American road culture. The Yard Dogs create a timeless space for the union of ancient theatrical alchemy and modern pop culture.

Seriously, this show looks like it will be a ton of fun, so be sure that, even if you aren't the winner of my super fabulous ticket giveaway, you buy some of your own and go check it out.

Second - Want to try your hand at winning the two tickets? Wonderful, I'd love to see you at the show! To win, just be the first to leave a comment answering this question: what was the name of the big drag/burlesque show that I put on this summer at the Majestic? Totally easy. I mean, you can look it up on this very blog. Be sure to leave either some way I can contact you via email to get your full name (or just your full name) in your comment so I can put you on the guest list +1.

Serious replies only, please! Don't win the tickets if you don't want to or can't go to the show, eh? Otherwise, have at it!

More show info:
THE YARD DOGS ROAD SHOW
w/ opening act, the Scarring Party
Thursday, October 2 @ 8:00PM
The Majestic Theatre, 115 King St., Madison, WI
www.majesticmadison.com