By Valerie Milano
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 6/2/25 – This past Friday night, the spirit of Los Angeles was alive and unfiltered at El Cid on Sunset — an iconic LA establishment in Silver Lake — as Beth Lapides brought her legendary variety show UnCabaret to the stage once more. With its signature blend of personal storytelling, offbeat comedy, and live music, the evening was an emotional and hilariously unpredictable ride — made smooth thanks to the personalized service from “Your Car Our Driver.” A standout luxury experience, this company offers the perfect solution for Angelenos needing to navigate the city in style and comfort, with a driver who chauffeurs you in your own vehicle. My Cadillac and I were in excellent hands.
UnCabaret is no stranger to me — I’ve seen the show evolve over time — but this performance was especially resonant. Held at El Cid, a venue rich with history (and one with personal significance, as my family once owned it), the ambiance was unmistakably intimate. I was seated upstairs in one of my favorite booths, thanks to Beth — an artist, producer, and warm host who continues to curate magic on stage.
The musical thread of the night was held down by Beth’s always solid backup band, featuring the talented Mitch Kaplan on keyboards, displaying his wonderful musical talent.
Comedian Alex Edelman took the stage with the ease of someone who knows how to make an audience feel like they’re part of the act. A proud Jewish comic and former hospital clown, Edelman carved out material that was all at once absurd and sharply observant. He riffed on the cultural divide between the U.S. and Japan, touching on his own recent travel experiences. Having just returned from Japan myself, his comparisons — like the notion that “we don’t eat fruit in America” — landed with a mix of laughter and reflection.
He didn’t shy away from poking at the oddities of American life either, quipping about the abundance of supposed “service animals” in public spaces. It was irreverent and cheeky in that classic UnCabaret way — raw, real, and slightly scandalous.
Then came Kelly Mantle — tall, elegant, and powerful. She opened with a warm “Happy Gay Pride,” owning the room with confidence and grace. A multi-talented performer and proud trans woman, Mantle brought musical depth to the show with a heartfelt performance of her original song, “Why Do We Have to Fight for Equality?” With her guitar in hand, her message hit hard: in a world still struggling with acceptance, her art stood tall, unapologetic, and full of truth. She also shared that she and Mitch Kaplan had performed together before — even gracing stages in Las Vegas — a testament to the overlapping creative circles that make Los Angeles’ performing arts scene so rich.
The last act we caught before our departure was the always hilarious Sklar Brothers — identical twins Randy and Jason — who brought their signature rapid-fire banter and dynamic timing to the stage. Their routine was a blend of clever cultural commentary, sibling synergy, and self-deprecating charm. They volleyed punchlines back and forth like seasoned jazz musicians trading solos. The duo tackled everything from parenting absurdities to modern tech woes and had the room in stitches with their relatable takes and razor-sharp delivery. Their synchronicity is not just a gimmick — it’s an art form, polished to perfection.
As my beautiful colleague Eliza and I made our way out, we bumped into the Sklar Brothers outside, still radiating energy from their set. Alex Edelman was there too — gracious and glowing from his earlier performance — and to our surprise, standing amongst them was none other than Anna Kendrick. Was she about to take the stage? Or perhaps dating one of the gents? We couldn’t say for sure — but in classic Hollywood fashion, we left on a note of intrigue, a little laughter, and a few whispers of “wait, was that really her?”
We left reluctantly, knowing we’d miss the performance by Jamie Bridgers — a talent I was truly looking forward to seeing. I have a special connection there: my son, Michael Milano, attended LACHSA (Los Angeles County High School for the Arts) with her daughter, the incomparable Phoebe Bridgers, who has become nothing short of an A+ festival star and a beloved voice in contemporary Indie music. The lineage of talent in that family runs deep, and Jamie’s presence at UnCabaret felt like yet another layer of the rich tapestry that makes this show so unique.
Unfortunately, duty called, and we had to leave early — whisked away by our courteous driver to the next event on our packed L.A. itinerary — but the echoes of the night at El Cid lingered. UnCabaret isn’t just a show; it’s a salon of the soul, a mirror held up to culture, identity, and absurdity — with a killer soundtrack to boot.
With barely time to catch our breath, we were back on the road en route to The Whisky a Go Go for Kitten Kay Sera’s Pinktastic Plastixx show. Kitten is not only a dear friend, but a former reporter for The Hollywood Times — which makes her events especially close to my heart. I’ve watched her evolve as an artist, entertainer, and pink-powered icon, thus supporting her show was a must on our evening’s agenda.
We had heard the band might be going on early, so we rushed in only to find out we’d been misinformed. Still, we made the most of the moment — snapping a few quick photos of Kitten’s signature pink entourage (the girls looked fabulous, naturally), soaking in the color and chaos, and then we jetted off once more to our next stop.
Our final destination of the night? A burlesque event produced by friends I hadn’t seen in ages — I was thrilled at the chance to reconnect. After a night of comedy, music, and dazzling personalities, wrapping it up with some sultry showmanship felt like the perfect Hollywood crescendo.
After two whirlwind events, we were ready for some soul-stirring music and sensual spectacle — we found exactly that at Sultry Sweet Burlesque & Variety Show, hosted at the stylish Kookaburra Lounge located at Hollywood & Highland. Now in its 13th year, this celebrated production remains a crown jewel in L.A.’s nightlife, known for its live orchestra, timeless glamour, and boundary-pushing performances.
The mastermind behind it all, Rob Steiner — along with co-creator Erica Meadows — are more than just producers to me. They are dear friends from the El Cid days, and integral collaborators in helping me launch The Hollywood Times. It was a true full-circle moment. On stage with Rob’s pseudo-orchestra were not only stunning, scantily clad performers — but to my surprise, the one and only Johnny Lala, also scantily clad and dancing with unmatched flair. It felt like El Cid old home week. Even some of the former El Cid security guards were in attendance, watching the show unfold — all of us reunited by art, music, and a bit of burlesque mischief.
The evening’s stellar lineup included:
- Audrey Deluxe
- Onyx Nova
- Miss Marquez
- Dolly Danger
- Veronica Voss
- Blanche Bourgeois
- Jackie Bee
- Harley Harpurr
- Radiant Ravenette
- Johnny Lala
- Mowgli Wilde
- Miss Magnolia
Hosted by the irresistibly charismatic Claire the Loon, the night promised “Titillating & Glitterating song & dance” — which it delivered in spectacular fashion, with each act accompanied by a live 9-piece orchestra that elevated the entire experience.
With glowing recognition from Playboy TV, Thrillist, TimeOut LA, and even praise from Quentin Tarantino (“This is a great show! I loved it!”), Sultry Sweet Burlesque continues to redefine what a burlesque variety show can be — sexy, immersive, musical, and always stylish. Upcoming themed shows like All I Want for Christmas Is Boobs and Drop Dead Gorgeous & Asylum promise even more deliciously decadent performances in the months ahead.
Located at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, Suite 407, The Kookaburra Lounge offers an intimate setting with a full bar, food options, and a 2-drink minimum that’s well worth it. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer, Sultry Sweet is a feast for all the senses.
After three fabulous events and countless memories, I can say with full confidence: L.A. is back, baby — and it never stopped glittering.
