44 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY DECEMBER 12-18, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com ONSTAGE Where can you go to see live music, comedic acts, circus performances and skits all on one stage? Over a century ago, it was vaudeville. Such variety acts sometimes wane, but some experience a revival. So it went with burlesque in the 21st century. And thanks to Callie McKenzie, who goes by her stage name Honey Delight, that movement extended to Monterey County. Carmel Delights is a local burlesque troupe which welcomes all gender expressions. The number of performers varies per show, but the Delights feature a regular cast. The troupe is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with a live performance at Paper Wing Theatre & Supper Club on Friday, Dec. 13, which will welcome back some former cast members along with current performers. “I think it’s pretty freakin’ cool that these ladies have wanted to jump on board with this crazy idea,” McKenzie says. McKenzie founded the troupe with two other women from her ballet class at Monterey Peninsula College in December 2014. She was first introduced to burlesque by her own ballet teacher and friend, Melinda MillerKlopfe, while living in Mendocino. “I was apprehensive at first. I wasn’t sure what burlesque even was,” McKenzie admits. “I was amazed by the whole production and all of the women involved. Everyone was so unique and talented and beautiful, and I was totally enamored by them.” Performers demonstrate sex appeal by toying with the audience, naturally building anticipation. But the risque factor doesn’t necessarily come from nudity or flamboyance. Rather, it comes from the performer’s control of the entire act. Burlesque adds a different kind of spice. “It’s usually about making fun of something,” McKenzie explains. “It doesn’t have to be sexual. I want the audience to connect with the message I’m giving.” Beyond a regular monthly show at Pearl Hour in Monterey, the Carmel Delights are also brand ambassadors to the Ibiza Burlesque festival in Spain and have performed at Edinburgh Fringe Festival for the past four years. The Decade of Delights performance happens at 8pm Friday, Dec. 13. Paper Wing Theatre & Supper Club, 711 Cannery Row (upstairs), Monterey. $30; ages 18 and up. 905-5684, paperwing.com. JEM SAN PEDRO Top 10 The burlesque troupe Carmel Delights celebrates a decade of performing with a showcase. By Sloan Campi Carmel Delights’ 10th anniversary event brings back many veterans. “It wouldn’t be as fun doing it alone,” says founder Callie McKenzie. “I brought my Subaru to Hartzel on advice of a friend and I was so pleased with the service & attention I got from them. Not only finished on time, but under the estimate I was given. Very rare these days. So pleased with the whole experience & great peace of mind knowing it was done correctly. Highly recommend this guy.” —David F., Seaside 2/14/19 510 California Avenue | Sand City | 394.6002 hartzelautomotive.com EXPERT SERVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT. Subaru Mazda Lexus Infiniti Saab vintage MG SCHEDULE YOUR NEXT SERVICE ONLINE TODAY
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