A sleeper hit in the making, Finding Beauty in the Beast is the latest offering from Rising Phoenix Productions; a thought-provoking and alluring cabaret rich in mythological connotations. An ambitious project helmed by local powerhouse Fawn Phoenix, an impressive crew of diverse performers round out a compelling show that provides creative insight into the inner world of adult entertainers and their struggles with anxiety, self-doubt and identity. These mental health issues are reimagined as mythological beasts and apparitions, creatures to be conquered and tamed.
The show is resplendent with a bewitching mix of burlesque and seductive dance, with a dash of aerials and acrobatics for good measure. Molly Morphine plays hostess and introduces us to each new act with charismatic and sassy flair. Nary an artist looks out of sight or underutilized, with every individual looking at home on the stage. Despite some occasional delays between the introduction music and a new act emerging, the excitement is kept fresh and unpredictable. Finding Beauty also benefits from some of the best specialty pole artistry I've had the pleasure of seeing at the Fringe this year. Miss Topaz and Annie Laine respectively are captivating in their stage presence and transitions, deservedly garnering tremendous applause from the crowd. And one can't underestimate the fervor and thrills Fawn brings to her routine with an LED hoop-pole-floor combo. It's a smorgasbord of talent.
The Crazy Horse is a provocative and deliberate choice of venue; hosting within the infamous strip club in and of itself is an act of defiance in the face of prejudice toward the adult entertainment industry. And those brave enough to challenge that stigma will find themselves within a beautiful venue benefiting from a gorgeous art deco interior design. The staging is lush, with elevated platforms providing entertainment that can be enjoyed from all angles, strobe lighting and lazer projections, a cascading water fountain and a pulsating sound system to compliment the action. This event is exclusive for ticket holders; no ignorant members of the public allowed.
Finding Beauty is at its core a celebration of the tales behind the talent. It’s an opportunity for us, as the audience, to challenge our understanding and appreciate the individual behind the mask. Rest assured, the show is far from preachy; it offers a simple reminder to remember the humanity in every performer and their journey to bring their art to the stage before us. And we are rewarded with a dizzying spectacle of mesmerising performance art and creative ambition. Come and see for yourself.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS: ****1/2
Reviewed by Justine Hall