Step Aside, Vegas—The Moonlight Dolls’ New Home Gives New Face to the Burlesque Scene

by Barrett White

Where can one go to find a venue with aesthetics as stunning as the performance? To be transported into a world of the decaying glitter of the post-Edwardian American speakeasy, look no further than Houston’s newest supper club and bar, Prohibition.

Located in the midst of Houston’s Theatre District, Prohibition boasts décor right out of the era, with everything master-planned to a science from Al Capone’s mug shot nestled in with the flapper-girl advertisements to the period-specific restrooms, complete with the Victorian high-tank pull-chain toilets. You could get lost in the period grandeur of the building and its cast of actor-dancers, but that’s when the show begins.

In preparation for their November grand opening, the Halloween weekend soft opening of Prohibition was nothing short of spectacular. Burlesque troupe The Moonlight Dolls dominated the evening with their theme of “The Masque of the Red Death,” a fully functional mid-century Halloween masquerade brought to life. Hosted by Prince Prospero—played by the charismatic charmer Ryan Adam Wells—the show was a non-stop visual stunner with group numbers on stage performed to the likes of Roisin Murphy and Goldfrapp and solo performers soaring above with incredible numbers on ribbons, trapeze, and aerial hoops. The peek-a-boo taste of skin is perpetually tasteful and breathes new life into the art form.

As a sort of intermission, haunting industrial music swelled as a butcher carved a whole roasted pig center stage, while wait staff in pig masks delivered platefuls to the VIPs on the balcony.

“I just really think that the experience and the ability to walk in and travel back in time is wonderful,” says Camille La Vie, a star performer for The Moonlight Dolls.

If the Halloween weekend soft opening of the Prohibition Supperclub and Bar is any indication of what is to come from this troupe of performers, I’d vouch to say this will quickly become the next best Houston hot spot.

Where: Prohibition Supperclub and Bar, 1008 Prairie Street

Visit moonlightdolls.com and prohibitionhouston.com for more information.