The Steel Stilettos have spent seven-plus years building a Lehigh Valley troupe that puts female burlesque, male boylesque, belly dance, flow art, comedy, and singing in the same show — a range few variety acts attempt with any consistency. Their Masquerade Cabaret at the Sherman Showcase on Saturday, September 19 adds a mask contest and an open invitation to arrive in costume, which tells you something about how they like their audiences: in it, not just watching it.
About the Show
The Masquerade Cabaret combines burlesque, circus, and theatrical performance, with audience participation through a mask contest at the center of the evening. Patrons are encouraged to show up in costume, making the room part of the show rather than a backdrop. The troupe’s mission, as stated on their own site, is to deliver high-quality entertainment while empowering audiences. They describe themselves as “a body positive, all inclusive” ensemble representing “all age groups and ethnicities, all shapes and sizes.”
The Steel Stilettos are based in Lehigh Valley, PA, with more than seven years of performance history. Their ensemble includes female burlesque performers, male boylesque dancers, belly dancers, flow artists, comedians, and singers. Named performers for this production include Diamond D’Light, Rowan Fyre, Reno St Francis, Dixie DuBonnet, Felicity Fae, Lady Jade, Miss Cici Sweet, Mr J, Natalia, Satine Rouge, Scorpino, Vivienne Valentine, and Vulgar Vixen.
The troupe has played SteelStacks/ArtsQuest in Bethlehem, the Roxy Theatre, and the Gas House Dance Hall, among other regional venues across Pennsylvania. Their productions tend to come with strong concepts — past shows include Graveyard Tease, described as “a sultry, spooky, and sidesplitting Halloween burlesque and variety show,” and Must See Tease-V, a television-themed revue. The Masquerade Cabaret carries that same logic: one central theme, built into both the performance and the room, with the audience pulled in from the start.
Venue & Logistics
The Sherman Showcase sits inside the Sherman Theater at 524 Main Street in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, on the Delaware Water Gap side of the state, within reach of the Hudson Valley for anyone making the regional crossing. Doors open at 7 p.m. for an 8 p.m. show, and given the General Admission Seated format, earlier arrival gives you better options for the floor. The event is 18+ to attend; 21+ to drink.
Tickets
Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 day of show, plus applicable fees. Get Tickets