Angie Pontani and her "world famous sisters" are arguably the brightest stars in the city's booming burlesque scene; or at least the most recognizable to mainstream audiences who don't spend much time at the Slipper Room. Pontani is currently starring in a funny/sexy revue she co-wrote with incorrigible cut-up Murray Hill, who emcees the evening. Called This is Burlesque, the two-act extravaganza tap-dances along a fine line between unrepentantly ribald humor and classy, atavistic......

Robert Murray, the 18th century merchant for whom the neighborhood of Murray Hill takes its name, might be troubled to see that his family's legacy has been reduced to a fratastic cluster of post-collegiate, quasi-dorms. But his ghost can also take comfort knowing that for the past decade or so a comic lounge singer in Rat Pack drag has made the name certifiably applause-worthy. Of course, being a Quaker, it might take Robert Murray's ghost a drink or five to warm up to Murray Hill's ribald shtick. His audience at Corio Friday night, on the other hand, was roaring with laughter even as they sipped their first "Pink Tassel" martinis....

As of yesterday, sideshow school was in session by the seashore. Lasting only one week, Sideshow 101 introduces the student to "Fire Eating, Snake Charming, The Human Blockhead, Sword Swallowing, Magic and More," according to the school's website. The Daily News checked in with some of the students, who ran away from their own lives to join the circus for the week -- some from as far away as Oklahoma City.They started by jamming nails......

Neil O'Fortune and Clams Casino co-produce and co-host the Smells Like Tease Spirit! a 90s Burlesque Tribute tonight at Galapagos Art Space. Clams Casino is a burlesque performer, producer and writer who you can find entertaining anywhere from the Coney Island boardwalk to The Slipper Room. Together her and partner Neil O'Fortune have created a bevy of Burlesque shows for New Yorkers, as well as some non-Burlesque fun like the monthly, live-on-stage game show, What's......