Friday night, we joined The McKittrick Hotel for an eclectic night in celebrating Bartschland Follies’ last show of the decade.
The host and curator of the hotel’s burlesque cabaret Bartschland Follies, Susanne Bartsch, is known worldwide for producing the most extravagant and unforgettable events since the Club Kid era. Susanne began her legendary parties more than two decades ago in New York City’s underground fashion scene, giving visibility and a platform for creative expression among the trendsetting youth. In expanding her career, she has also contributed philanthropic efforts to the LGBTQ community and those affected by AIDS in creating her Love Ball fundraiser, and furthermore by partnering with Netflix in releasing her own documentary in 2018, Susanne Bartsch: On Top.
Whilst continuing to create elaborate parties for artists like Kim Petras and contributing to events at Le Bain and The Edition Hotel, Bartsch brings a dangerous and naughty dynamic to The McKittrick’s cabaret-style show, Bartschland Follies, that does not hesitate to push the boundaries of traditional New York City nightlife.
Ushered in by the constantly changing roster of entertainment and over the top performances, the audience features a mix of newcomers as well as regulars, arriving in an array of personalities and costumes. The two-hour show showcases an eclectic mix of entertainment, with as many musical numbers as performance acts and every kind of circus and burlesque themes included in between, all with a sensational and thrilling twist.
Classically trained opera singer and drag queen Shequida Hall co-hosted the night with Susanne, often exchanging lusty banter and jovial jabs amongst each other and the catalog of acts. Introduced were iconic Bartschland Follies fixtures such as drag singer Joey Arias and New York City legend Amanda Lepore. Other highlights included burlesque performances inviting audience participation, and acts incorporating derobing heterosexual men. Without delving into too many spoilers, the acts are truly a feast for the eyes and highly recommended to be seen in person.
Tickets are available online, showcasing weekly at The Club Car of The McKittrick on Friday nights.
