By Robert Burke Warren
Perhaps you've got a top hat and tailcoat in the closet? Or a corset and tutu you've been dying to wear? The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus invites you to dig them out, put them on, and be part of the spectacle at a cabaret for grownups at Helsinki Hudson. “People accustomed to music at Helsinki Hudson will see things they never imagined in this space," says Bindlestiff Family Cirkus co-founder and featured performer Keith Nelson. “Magic is going to happen here." Indeed, as Nelson (above, with Stephanie Monseu) and Co. outfit the club with tightwires for acrobats, riggings for aerialists and sideshow décor, the venue achieves an otherworldly air, a crackling energy reminiscent of old-school vaudeville. This is Nelson and Bindlestiff co-founder Stephanie Monseu’s fourth year heating up Helsinki Hudson with the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus Cabaret. The size of the club offers an opportunity for patrons to experience a more intimate version of the Bindlestiffs' distinctive blend of sideshow, circus, burlesque and variety show. The first performance is Saturday, January 25, at 9 p.m. (doors open at 7). Subsequent shows, each with a different cast, will be Friday, February 14 – a special Valentine’s Day edition – and Saturday, March 29, both at 9 p.m., with a G-rated Sunday matinee for the youngsters on March 30 at 3 p.m. This engagement is an auspicious one for the Cirkus: “We’re entering our 20th season making circus cabaret happen in New York state," Nelson says proudly.
Nelson, a consummate fire-eater, sword-swallower and tramp clown (i.e. “bindlestiff"), looks forward to setting up shop at Helsinki Hudson. Commuting will be a breeze: the club is not far from the house he shares with Monseu. “I'll be swallowing swords and clowning at all three shows," he says matter-of-factly, “and Stephanie – as Ringmistress Philomena Bindlestiff – will be hosting each show, but otherwise we're bringing in fresh new energy, world-class magicians, acrobats and musicians." Music is a big part of the Bindlestiff experience. Ever since the company’s beginnings, the Cirkus has included live, often edgy music in their productions. Nelson is particularly excited about Sabrina Chap, a brazen singer-songwriter popular on the burlesque circuit, who will be accompanying the January 25th performance. “We’ll also have Hudson-based belly dancer Donna Barrett," he says, “and ex-Ringling Brothers performer Adam Kuchler, who does classic vaudeville and contemporary comedy." Also on the bill are world-touring magician Magic Brian and aerialist Rebecca Hahn. The February and March shows, still in the planning stages, will feature similarly adventurous and eclectic casts; performers both traditional and cutting-edge, with nods to everything from political street theater to punk rock to Barnum & Bailey.
Many Bindlestiff fans discover the troupe at their recurrent appearances in Bard's SummerScape Spiegeltent, where Nelson and Monseu tailor the show to families. While Nelson says the Helsinki cabaret is “PG-13, maybe R," and far less racy than, say, most video games, he suggests families attend the March matinee. The matinee, Nelson says, is an experiment, a first in their winter residency, and in keeping with their custom of reaching out to all ages. “There are a lot of families in Hudson," he says, “and we want to serve them, too." As with every Bindlestiff endeavor, the troupe encourages audiences to dress up. Those in costume or circusy makeup can even ask for discounted tickets at the door. For a few hours, thanks to the Bindlestiff run at Helsinki, you can run away and join the circus. Bindlestiff Family Cirkus CabaretJanuary 25, February 14 & March 29 Doors Open at 7 p.m.; Showtime at 9 p.m. FAMILY MATINEE: March 30, 3 p.m. with the same cast as on March 29 Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia St., Hudson, NY (518) 828-4800 Tickets: $20 / $15 clowns in make-up or costume (walk-up only)
