Which of the burlesque shows would fodorites recommend between Lido, Moulin Rouge and Paradis?

Thank you all.

Hi Joy,

None of them are burlesque.

I suggest that you save your 90E pp and do something interesting.

The shows you are talking about are Las Vegas style extravaganzas - huge production numbers with lots of "dancing" as well as singing etc - including a bunch of half-dressed showgirls - but lots of feathers, glitter and elaborate headdresses.

These are not strip shows - no pole dancing, lap dancing - or any up close nudity like in "gentlemen's clubs".

I think they could be called burlesque as that word is often used -- meaning a variety show. I think you can find some descriptions or reviews of them online if you search. My impressions from reading about them (I have never been to one of those) is that the Lido is the most high-tech, glitzy, laser-y Las Vegas style show. Moulin Rouge is more the standard, traditional show. I think the Paradis Latin is also more traditional, but doesn't have the can-can thing the Moulin Rouge does. I've read the costumes at the Moulin Rouge are quite nice, but that the Paridis is considered less touristy. I think they are all touristy, no doubt, but perhaps the Paradis isn't as well known (at least to Americans), so perhaps more a European crowd.

They all have web sites which can give you some idea. I think Frommers has commentary on them www.frommers.com, go to Destinations, then Paris. I know they have comments/review on Paradis Latin.

I think some folks on here have probably been and will give you more personal opinions.

Sorry - I have never heard burlesque used for a variety show - as far as I know it is a very old-fashioned (think WWII) name for stripetease shows - interspersed with bad comedians - but really focused on the strippers. And really quite tacky - not of the extravaganza type at all.

I've been to the Moulin Rouge. We had fun but we would not go there again. If you want to you should go. I wish someone had forwarned us about a few things I found uncomfortable about, such as: It's in a very old wooden building and they pack you in like sardines. Since most of the audience was smoking the place was filled with smoke and I kept looking for the exits in case of fire. The line for the restrroom was impossibly long. The service is non existant.The worst was the fact that when you exit you find yourself walking around in a very active red light district. Then on certain nights these rollerblaers block the streets and you can't get across to get into your cab.

The show hawever was pretty good.

Some people have said the Cray Horse is good.

After the Moulin Rouge experience I won't be going to any more shows like that in Paris. Vegas is better for that sort of thing.

I saw the Moulin Rouge. I have traveled all over and I was not very excited about the show knowing it would be touristy. However, I found it was part of "Parisian" education. I did enjoy it for what it was. However, I have a couple suggestions. Don't eat at these shows, the food is usually decent, but the price is inflated for what you get. Second, try to get good reserved seats. I sat up at the bar area where you are stacked in. I was the first chair at the end of the table which meant I had a good view. BUT, everyone smokes. This meant the person just below me in the level down with me being the first person at the level above caused a steady stream of smoke coming up straight towards my face. We were so packed in I could not get up easily. I thought I was going to pass out. I would pay for the more expensive seats and not take the dinner. And, if your time is short in Paris, skip this all together and save time for more important things. A night in a jazz cellar in the Latin quarter is a much more exciting and cultural event for example!

>... it is a very old-fashioned (think WWII) name ...<

Ummmm think pre WW I.

See http://www.nevadahumanities.org/encyclopedia/minsky.htm

Thanks, folks. Perhaps "burlesque" wasn't the right word for the variety show (and I am nowhere NEAR WW I or II age). Now I am straight! I think, however, that I will skip the shows based on responses.

burlesque: a witty or derisive literary or dramatic imatative work. a broadly humorous theatrical entertainment consisting of several items such as songs, skits and or dances. Who remembers the Old Howard in Boston? Question: Are there any 'real' burlesque shows left in the world?