Whether one is familiar with the classic television show “Gilligan’s Island” or not, they’ve never seen a show like “Gillian’s Island” from ElevAtion Aerial.

Part-aerial show, part-burlesque revue, “Gillian’s Island” returned for an encore performance at the Tonga Hut in North Hollywood to a sold-out audience on April 21st. The show, which parodies the iconic American sitcom, provides an immersive, nautical-themed experience for all attendees. Written and directed by Lisa-Marie Burnside, who also performs and choreographed the aerial numbers, “Gillian’s Island” is a delightful and novel night out. 

Gilligan’s Island-Themed Revue Docks at the Tonga Hut

The show couldn’t have a better home at LA’s oldest Tiki bar, the Tonga Hut. It whisks audiences away to a tropical isle immediately. Leis are distributed as one enters the space and cast members serve mixed fruity cocktails in vintage-style bathing suits before the show begins. In this re-imagining of Gilligan’s Island, the audience and performers are aboard the H.S. Minnow for a one-hour tour. Just when the tour’s talent show kicks off, a storm hits and seemingly kills Gillian (Sheena Leigh). It’s up to the Minnow’s Skipper (Mirror Deux Monroe) to question the suspects to discern the killer. The suspects are the iconic characters viewers all know and love — Ginger, Mary Ann, Mrs. Howell, and The Professor — brought to life by a cast of supremely talented aerial performers.

Mirror Deux Monroe serves as the evening’s very capable MC. Seamlessly luring viewers into the world of the revue, they keep the show’s tight runtime on track with a  dose of cheeky humor. It’s nearly impossible to pick a standout among the cast, however. Leigh, along with fellow aerial artists Chelsea Carroll, Rachel Fictum, and Burnside equally dazzled with their numbers. While Daddy Longlegs, who plays Mrs. Howell, fully embraced the burlesque. Despite the vintage setting, Burnside smartly utilized contemporary pop hits for the aerial numbers, which ranged from Aretha Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” to “I’m on a Boat” by The Lonely Island. Max Moxie nearly stole the show as a merman who encounters the shipwrecked crew. His performance was hilarious as it was athletic and enticing.

Gillian’s Island is a “Power Hour” of Aerial Burlesque

Given the strength of the performers and their entire commitment to “the bit”, “Gillian’s Island” leaves its attendees with massive smiles on their faces. There is an undeniable sense of fun and humor in each moment of the performance. The artists excel at not only ensuring that they feel safe, but that the audience does so too, allowing the burlesque and aerial dance to be enjoyed without awkwardness. That being said, the show is a “hard PG-13”. Everyone’s naughty bits stay covered. However, the show’s mission is to showcase the playful raunchiness of burlesque along with the grace and strength needed for aerial dance.

With summer around the corner, hopefully the Tonga Hut will have the ElevAtion Aerial crew back to reprise “Gillian’s Island”. Special commendation goes to Burnside as the mastermind of the experience, which delivers laughter, thrills, and wonder in the span of sixty minutes. If “Gillian’s Island” has indeed made its last voyage, ElevAtion Aerial is a company to watch in the LA performance scene.

More about ElevAtion Aerial and Lisa-Marie Burnside

Lisa-Marie has a passion for life, something that is apparent the moment you meet her. With over 10 years of Aerial dance training, she is an in-demand performer throughout Southern California. She is the owner of elevAtion Aerial Dance. A hip Aerial dance company, ElevAtion offers live individual and group performances at concerts, parties, corporate events, fundraisers and more. Learn more on their WEBSITE or INSTAGRAM to stay informed about upcoming productions.