About Us
After a decade in the mistress of ceremonies biz, Odessa Lil wanted to EXPOSE the amazing burlesque performers she encountered to the world and give them a chance to talk about their art, creative process, pubic hair...all the things that matter. She began airing Speakeasily (your favorite burlesque talk show on the internet) in October of 2012.
Throughout the 18 episodes of Season 1, Odessa Lil saw the benefits of expanding the format to include all kinds of performers making up the neo-vaudeville scene and to incorporate outside video projects into the act.
For Season 2, Odessa Lil acquired co-hosts: her two long-time show biz pals Babs The Klingon Vanna White and Shecky Davis Jr. Unfortunately, Babs and Shecky can never appear on the same episode at the same time due to their overly complicated and dramatic divorce proceedings and resultant restraining orders. However, they seem to be handling their part-time co-host duties maturely by alternating shows. They have shared custody over Odessa Lil, the show, and Makko (a living toilet paper cozy).
Speakeasily is taped live, streaming to the internet, and is available forever after...also on the internet. Because it's taped live, you never know what's going to happen on the show!
More in-depth bios below...
ODESSA LIL (Audra Wolfmann)
Host, producer, and creator of Speakeasily, Odessa Lil's razor sharp wit has earned her the designation of "stand-up dominatrix," which we can only assume means that she's punishingly funny. Ever since she ran the original club night SpeakEasily (the first-ever weekly neo-burlesque show in Oakland back in 2004), Odessa Lil has been whipping audiences into shape at shows like Bombshell Betty's Burlesqueteers, Barbary Coast Burlesque, The East Bay Express Best of the East Bay Party, and the Hubba Hubba Revue, not to mention film openings, rock shows, and private parties.
One of the few female MCs in a scene dominated by men, Odessa Lil spelunks fresh comic territory with an olde-timey flair. Did we just say spelunks?
Odessa Lil is available to those hiring for weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, funerals, divorce proceedings, difficult labors, home foreclosures, and seances.
KLINGON VANNA WHITE (The Indra)
Babs Bernsteinowitz, aka the "Klingon Vanna White", was an outcast on Kronos, her native planet. As a child she felt she never belonged in a world surrounded by drab, utilitarian colors. Her love of bling, luxury, and product presentation made her Klingon family disown her. Heartbroken she came to Earth to find her new family. She was adopted by the Bernsteinowitz family in Queens and occasionally slips into the colloquial accent of her chosen people. She's good in a Bat’leth fight but isn't quite as prone to violent outbursts as her people on Kronos.
Klingon Vanna White has an ill fated decades long marriage and performing career with her future ex husband, Shecky Davis Jr. They are currently sorting out the details of their dissolution and totally wish each other the best for fuck's sake. They are well known as co-hosts of "Speakeasily" the variety show hosted by Odessa Lil. They are never on the show concurrently due to the multiple restraining orders.
Klingon Vanna White still remembers the sting of rejection from her own family on the day she came out as a Klingon who loves non-functional creative fashion. So she has started a support group for other Klingons who were disowned by their families. No one should be outcast for wearing bright flashy clothing. Klingon Vanna White believes true honor begins with honesty, creativity, and individuality. If you are a Klingon who has been disowned by his or her family for love of non functional fashion feel free to stop by Vanna's support group, “Fabulous Unwanted Klingons” or F.U.K. on Wednesdays in San Francisco. All Klingon friendly beings are welcome to F.U.K. as F.U.K. thrives with the support of it's F.U.K. buddies. Please inquire for time and location. Free punch and pie.
SHECKY DAVIS JR. (Desmond Miller)
Working every room from Chico's Chuckle Barn to Hayward's Ha-Ha Hut, Shecky Davis Jr. has seen and smelled it all. Speakeasily isn't so bad.