At this burlesque show, the audience is encouraged to grab.
On Aug. 14, Sideshows by the Seashore in Coney Island will host Grab My Junk, a mash-up burlesque show and game show. Instead of answering dull trivia questions, contestants at this quiz night pair performers with their preferred sexual scenarios, based on the performers’ dance styles.
“Is this person the sort of person who’d say, ‘I want to have sex jumping out of an airplane,’ or ‘I’d like a nice private dinner for two,’ ” said Jonny Porkpie, a legendary local burlesque performer who is hosting the event and has been involved with the venue’s twice-weekly Burlesque at the Beach summer series for seven years.
Participants are given the salacious scenario choices before the performances. As the dancers do their thing, the audience must watch closely — every strut and shimmy could be a clue. When an audience member correctly matches a performer with their preference, they are eligible to grab an item from Porkpie’s “junk pile” — which, don’t worry, is a literal pile of junk.
“That’s what they win — they grab my junk,” said Porkpie.
The “junk” is donated from performers — resulting in prizes such as old videotapes and footwear.
“One flip-flop was one of the most popular projects,” said Porkpie.
If an audience member doesn’t get off bringing a performer’s dirty junk home, they can trade in their prize for a chance to win another prize — such as a burlesque mystery novel or tickets to the next show.
And though Porkpie said the questions he asks the audience can be risque, the dancers’ answers can be even more revealing.
“It is usually the answers that are more outlandish,” he said.
Grab My Junk at Sideshows by the Seashore (1208 Surf Ave. near W. 12th Street in Coney Island, www.grabmyjunk.net), Aug. 14 at 9 pm. $12.
