The Beggar's Carnivale

A word about the show.
For four years I put every last bit of my heart, soul, inspiration, and creativity into one thing, one show, The Beggar’s Carnivale. A large scale live action silent film vaudeville circus show. I have always been very passionate about live entertainment and the art of the variety show. With the help of countless dedicated cast members, musicians, tech crew, and volunteers, we made Beggars one of the largest, most original, most successful vaudeville shows around. It started as a fun idea party show in a smaller venue that we very quickly outgrew. I wanted to set a high standard and this show demanded skill, rehearsal, discipline, organization, production value, and originality. The people who were a part of this show met all of those demands and did so much more. As time went on, story lines became more involved, production value went up, and audiences kept getting bigger. We were quickly performing regularly for audiences of 700 people and more, as well as selling out shows around the country. It became a family, without sounding dramatic, it honestly became a bit of a lifestyle. People proudly told people that they were Beggars!
I am so proud of all of that, all of that work, and the reputation we made for ourselves. I hope everyone who was ever involved in the show feels that same level of pride.
As time went on, my inspirations started to change and my performance style began to evolve. I wanted to explore new things and styles. I couldn’t put all of my heart into the show anymore and I refused to do a walk through the motions formula Beggar’s show to make money and appease people. That wouldn’t have been fair to the cast, crew, myself, and most importantly, the paying audiences.
I decided to stop doing the show a while ago. I never publicly said anything about it. I apologize if there was or has been any confusion. People still continue to ask about the show, so, I finally decided to speak about it.
The Beggar’s Carnivale will not be a part of this year’s Show-Me Burlesque Festival, and we have no plans to do another Beggar’s anytime in the foreseeable future. If one day inspiration miraculously strikes again, you all will be the first to know!
While part of this breaks my heart to let go of something that has meant so much to me and has been such a large part of my life, I can say that there is a silver lining, friends!
Everyone involved in the show is still performing and creating all over the country. There are other large Vaudeville Variety shows happening in St. Louis. The Show Me Burlesque Festival is very much still happening. I am still writing, creating, rehearsing, and performing like crazy. Please continue to support live performance, and the weirdos who do it. Keep live entertainment alive and thriving!
I want to, from the very bottom of my heart, thank the cast, the crew, the volunteers, and the fans for going along on this amazing ride and making this show what it was. I hope when you all look back on what we did and created together, you smile.

I believe magic is meant to exist in a time and a place, it’s not meant to last forever, and that’s what makes it magical.
All of my love, all of my gratitude,
Sammy

Spectaculaire! A Grand New Year's Ball!

As promised, Van Ella Productions Presents: Spectaculaire! A Grand New Year's Ball! Featuring favorites you know and love along with the (ALL THREE!) Stage Door Johnnies, Frenchie Kiss, Lady Jack and MANY MORE!!! More cast announcements soon!
Tell your friends!

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/940360

brownpapertickets.com One of the largest and most celebrated New Year's Eve Parties in St. Louis!

Dear fans, friends, and supporters of the Beggar's Carnivale:

We are, as always, so appreciative and grateful for all of your support over the years. We have always aimed to entertain, dazzle, excite and create work that is fresh, original and challenging. After creating brand new shows with live music and original scripts and large casts for nearly 5 years, we are excited about evolving and elevating our work once again. In the coming months, we will be working on new scripts, music and designs, and working on some big touring plans for our "little Music Hall that could". We hope you'll stay tuned and stay with us for all of our big announcements and ideas. We are very very excited!

In the meantime, Van Ella Productions will be presenting a HUGE spectacular for New Year's Eve at the Casa Loma Ballroom with brand new giagantic acts, live music from our orchestra and some very exciting special guests and cast members you know and love. Tickets will be for sale very soon and we will keep you posted. We hope you'll join us for this beautiful event. And do stay tuned as we prepare for some big plans and changes. Though we are on a little hiatus, do know that it is only to create bigger and better things!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,
Lola van Ella, Sammy Tramp and the production staff of the Beggar's Carnivale

Thank you to everyone who came, laughed, cheered, believed in, supported, sang along, and gave us the largest standing ovation we've ever received! We had a magical night and hope you all did too. Evolution is the key to artistic growth and we feel so grateful that we have fans that go along with us on all of our wild rides! Cheers!

Online tickets sales have ended, but there are still PLENTY of tickets at the door!
See you tonight at Le Maison de Decadence!

The Beggar's Carnivale Presents: Le Maison de Decadence

We are just around the corner from the biggest spectacular we've created yet!
Tickets are flying! Grab your today!

brownpapertickets.com An evening of stunning burlesque, vaudeville, music hall, and cirque performances tied together in whimsical narrative; inspired by Victorian brothels, Parisian cabaret, technicolor cinematic musicals, and London music halls.

We are thrilled to announce that we have teamed up with Defiant Spirits, a delicious, local and brand new company. They will be promoting their fantastic rye bourbon at Le Maison de Decadence. The Beggars love a good whiskey and we are so happy to have them on board!

7 musicians, 4 singers, all live music, original songs, over 25 performers, the reigining queen of burlesque, brand new acts, huge group numbers, vendors, games, a h***h tent, and more await you on October 25th at Le Maison de Decadence! Tickets available online. Don't miss this gigantic show!

Have you purchased your tickets to Le Maison de Decadence? VIP is sold out, but there are still balcony seats and plenty of General tickets still available!

Hey everyone! Want to have your ad/coupon/self promotion seen by hundreds of people? Advertise in our beautiful Beggar's Carnivale programs starting at just $75! Ads are needed by October 13th. Email [email protected] for more info.

A full theatrical spectacle replete with original music, large ensemble performances, gorgeous variety acts, a conoletely live score, plus vendors, music hall performers and performances happening.all over the Casa Loma at the most surprising moments. Get your tickets now to the biggest production weve attempted yet.

In other BIG news, we are thrilled to let you know that one of the biggest vaudeville burlesque New Year's Eve's events in the country is BACK! Save the date and stay tuned for all the details!

We can't begin to express how massive this show is! HUGE ensemble acts, original songs from both Sammy Tramp and Lola van Ella, a completely LIVE score from our incomparable Three Penny Orchestra, song stylings by numerous singers, including Jeez Loueez and Rob Racine. All this with a totally fabulous music hall makeover and directed by Bazuka Joe. You've never seen us like this! We can't wait to party with you at Le Maison de Decadence on October 25th!

Only 6 VIP tickets remain to Le Maison de Decadence!

Attention area businesses!
Want to sponsor Le Maison de Decadence? We will be offering beautiful, glossy, full color programs at our October 25th show and your ad could be seen by over 500 people! Ads are affordable and come in 1/4, 1/2 and (limited) full page sizes. Inquire at [email protected] for more info.

The Beggar's Carnivale

The Beggar's Carnivale's cover photo

Our first Beggar's rehearsal in full swing with some of the cast, crew, band and director Bazuka Joe! You have no idea how decadent, ambitious and over the top this production is. Le Maison de Decadence is October 25th at the Casa Loma Ballroom!

Our first Beggar's rehearsals in full swing with some of the cast, crew, band and director Bazuka Joe! You have no idea how decadent, ambitious and over the top this production is. Le Maison de Decadence is October 25th at the Casa Loma Ballroom!

Well, would you look at that? Someone nominated us for Reader's Choice award for Best Theater Production. We think we're pretty theatrical! If you agree, take a moment and give us a vote, won't you?
Thank you!
Can't wait to dazzle you even more with our HUGE, spectacular, October 25th production of Le Maison de Decadence!
(Link below)

Le Maison de Decadence
An Immersive Theatrical Experience
Saturday, October 25th
Casa Loma Ballroom
Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/808115
Artwork by Shawn Gaston
Uncropped version here
https://www.facebook.com/beggarscarnivale/photos/a.151942221520777.29253.141229125925420/743692755679051/?type=1&theater

Brand new poster art by Shawn Gaston unveiled for our completely original and live show, Le Maison de Decadence! October 25th!

The Beggar's Carnivale Presents: Le Maison de Decadence

The best way to ensure the best view is to order your tickets in advance!
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/808115

brownpapertickets.com An evening of stunning burlesque, vaudeville, music hall, and cirque performances tied together in whimsical narrative; inspired by Victorian brothels, Parisian cabaret, technicolor cinematic musicals, and London music halls.

The Beggar's Carnivale Presents: Le Maison de Decadence

Don't Forget! VIP tickets sell fast! The show isn't until October, but tickets to one of the hottest shows in town (that doesn't come around very often) go quickly!
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/808115

brownpapertickets.com An evening of stunning burlesque, vaudeville, music hall, and cirque performances tied together in whimsical narrative; inspired by Victorian brothels, Parisian cabaret, technicolor cinematic musicals, and London music halls.

The Beggar's Carnivale Presents: La Maison de Decadence

Hear ye, hear ye!
Tickets for Le Maison de Decadence are on sale NOW!
VIP goes extremely fast, so be sure to grab them while they're hot!
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/808115

brownpapertickets.com An evening of stunning burlesque, vaudeville, music hall, and cirque performances tied together in whimsical narrative; inspired by Victorian brothels, Parisian cabaret, technicolor cinematic musicals, and London music halls.

Ladies and Gentlemen! Hot off the press! We are THRILLED to announce our next endeavor!
Read on for all the amazing news, and stay tuned for even more.
---------------------------------------
Saturday, October 25th
Casa Loma Ballroom

We invite you and yours to come on in
To an unparalleled soiree of beauty and sin
as The Beggar's Carnivale proudly Presents
Le Maison de Decadence

A completely original, gorgeous, and immersive theatrical experience unlike anything the Beggar's Carnivale has attempted yet!
Le Maison de Decadence will be an evening of stunning burlesque, vaudeville, music hall, and cirque performances tied together in whimsical narrative; inspired by Victorian brothels, Parisian cabaret, technicolor cinematic musicals, and London music halls. Le Maison de Decadence will feature large ensemble acts, impressive original performances and a live score by the Three Penny Orchestra.

This will be a truly decadent night of entertainment that will fill the entirety of the historical and Casa Loma Ballroom for one night only!

Have your cake and eat it too
All you want is here for you
Have a drink and take a chance
Le Maison de Decadence

Starring an all star cast of Beggars you know and love!

Sammy Tramp
Lola van Ella
Jeez Loueez
Foxy la Feelion
The Bon Bons
Tanis Lee
Venus in Flames
Jameson
Indie Lou
Meg-a-Legs
Gravity Plays Favorites
The Knock-a-bouts

with very special guests
Ray Gunn
and Reigning Queen of Burlesque, Midnite Martini

Expertly directed and choreographed by Bazuka Joe
and music direction by Dustin Sholtes and Andy Hainz

The Beggars are very sad to say that we lost a dear friend last night. Wendy Kyle, you were a shining light of love and joy. Your kindness and your smile could warm an entire room. You will be missed. Very very much. Thank you for being you. Safe travels and much love on this next part of your journey. The next pie is for you.

Happy Pride from the Beggar's Carnivale! Let your love light shine, your queerness beam, and your freak flag fly!
We'll be making all kinds of exciting announcements in the next week! Stay tuned!

Sammy Tramp

Hey, hey, hey Beggar's friends. Our artistic director Sammy Tramp finally has a page! Please like it to stay up to date on all of the Trampenings. Long live Vaudeville!

A wandering tramp & lovable scamp. One of the nation's premiere variety performers. A throwback to the hey days of vaudeville and the golden age of cinema.

Thank you to everyone who came out and packed the Casa Loma for our Show Me Burlesque Festival installment of the Beggar's Carnivale!
It was a really stellar night of entertainment and full of incredible music, performances, and all kinds of surprises.
We will be back soon with exciting announcements on our next production and plans and look forward to sharing more with all of you!

Tonight is the night! And it may be the biggest show we've ever done! Advance ticket sales have ended, but there will still be some available at the door, though we are most definitely going to be packed to the brim! Make sure to bring cash for Beggar's Alley and all the vendors, games, and h***h tent action, and prepare yourselves for a wild ride! Doors at 7:00 and show at 8:00!

The Beggar's Carnivale & Final Night of Show-Me Burlesque Festival 2014

Rehearsing all new bits and tricks for the Beggar's Carnivale! It's gonna be a doozy!
May 17th! VIP tickets are long gone, but there are still plenty of GA and balcony seats left.
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/622142

brownpapertickets.com Show-Me Burlesque is a 3 day festival dedicated to glitz, glam and fabulous burlesque, boylesque, vaudeville, circus, and variety entertainment from all over the country!

Show Me Burlesque

Have you gotten your tickets to The Beggar's Carnivale yet? This event is going to be HUGE and features some incredible guest performers from around the globe. All new music, acts, antics, hilarity and amazement await. Don't miss out on the final night of the biggest burlesque and vaudeville event in the Midwest!
www.showmeburlesque.com

showmeburlesque.com Roxi D’Lite, known as “The Drinkin’ Strippin’ Smokin’ Machinne” is one of the world’s premier burlesque performers and the Reigning Queen of Burlesque at the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas. Roxi was voted in the “Top 10 Burlesque Performers” in the world, four years in a row for 21st Century Bu…

The Beggar's Carnivale & Final Night of Show-Me Burlesque Festival 2014

Tickets are on sale now!
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/622142

brownpapertickets.com Show-Me Burlesque is a 3 day festival dedicated to glitz, glam and fabulous burlesque, boylesque, vaudeville, circus, and variety entertainment from all over the country!

Don't miss our next installment of The Beggar's Carnivale at the Show Show-Me Burlesque Festival on May 17th!