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Uploaded: Friday, February 8, 2013, 2:36 PM
Updated: Sunday, February 10, 2013, 10:42 PM
'Reel Blondes' goes back to its roots
Musical sketch comedy moves from salon to stage
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by Jessica Lipsky
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 | Ever go to the tanning salon to get a summer glow in the winter only to be transported back in time? If all you come out with is a bronze hue, step into the world of Victoria's "Reel Blondes" for a wacky romp through history.
Back for a second year after an extended hiatus, the long-running cabaret returns to the Village Theatre in Danville on Feb. 15 with "Back to the Roots!" Viewers will hitch a ride with salon owner Blondie, as she travels through time in her tanning booth/time machine. As is custom with "Reel Blondes," Blondie will encounter a parade of colorful characters and famous ancestors.
Traveling back in time with show producer Vicki Brooks, the former owner of Victoria's Hair & Spa had to close her Blackhawk salon in 2003 after more than 20 years in business. The new owner continued the show for five years as "Wigged Out," but the laughter didn't last for long.
"The salon sold again and the new owners tore down the stage and lights. Broken hearted we looked for a location to continue the popular Reel Blondes. The show went dark in 2009," Brooks said.
Last year, she made a deal with her husband, who she also refers to as Bargain Bob, that the show could go on for five years as long as the first year broke even with his checkbook.
"Oprah said on her closing show 'Be passionate about what you do.' I am passionate about making people laugh and I realized that it was time to bring back the Blondes. And so we did," Brooks said. "Instead of a hair salon, patrons walked through an amazing little art gallery to the delightful theater nestled in the historic downtown area. Obviously, Danville was still in need of some laughter because we sold out all 14 performances."
Brooks told the Express that opening night 2012 was the happiest day of her life.
The "Reel Blondes" time machine will run through March 9 with Friday and Saturday shows at 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. Visit victoriasreelblondes.com for tickets. Amelia Arvesen contributed to this story Are you receiving Express, our free daily e-mail edition? See a sample and sign-up for Express.
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Posted by Events@ DanvilleAreaChamber.com, a resident of the Danville neighborhood, on Feb 11, 2013 at 10:06 am Join the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce at Reel Blondes, "Back to the Roots!" on Chamber Night, Saturday 2/16/13. Travel with Blondie back through time in her tanning booth Time Machine and meet the parade of colorful characters and famous ancestors. On Chamber Night you never know who’ll show up on stage! Tickets $35. Wine & hors d'ouevres at 7PM. Performance at 8PM. Village Theatre 233 Front St, Danville 94526. For tickets call the Chamber 925-837-4400, or purchase tickets online at www.danvilleareachamber.com – click on the STORE tab!
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Posted by David Mehryar, a resident of the Blackhawk neighborhood, on Feb 11, 2013 at 11:18 am It is fantastic that the show is back on. However the history as indicated in the third paragraph is wrong . It was the Victoria's Hair & Spa in downtown Danville which was closed in 2003 . Victoria's Hair & Spa has never closed . Please correct the story.
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Posted by David Mehryar, a resident of the Blackhawk neighborhood, on Feb 11, 2013 at 11:20 am Victoria's Hair and Spa in Blackhawk has been open since 1990 and has nver closed. it was the downtown Danville location which was closed in 2003.
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