{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Radio Chatskill","title":"Flirty Riot’s Wild Ride: One Year of Burlesque, Cabaret, and Sass","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":548,"description":"One year ago, a handful of performers took the stage in Narrowsburg not knowing whether their bold blend of burlesque, circus-inspired acts, and campy cabaret would land. Today, Flirty Riot is celebrating its first anniversary with a devoted following, sold-out shows, and a growing ensemble. “It’s actually pretty remarkable to be sitting here today,” said co-founder Susan Mendoza. “We never really thought it would come to this. Last year when we sat here, we hadn’t even done the show yet — and when we performed our first show, it was received so well from the community. Every show since that first night has been absolutely sold out.”That overwhelming response, Mendoza says, has shaped the troupe into more than a performance outfit. “The incredible amount of support and love and just genuine appreciation from the community has been absolutely remarkable and uplifting.”For John Vega, one of the original cast members, the experience has been just as transformative for the performers as it has been for audiences. “I never thought that we would have such a wild ride,” he said. “I’m one of their vocalists, I do silk dance and a little acting. It’s helped evolve me as a performer. And the love from the community, the way they’ve embraced us, has been amazing.”Veronica Fern describes the creative process as joyful chaos. “It’s all a collaborative process. Everyone kind of throws different ideas out there,” she said. “We’re just lighting each other up and bringing out the best in each other’s performances.”That ensemble-driven approach is central to the group’s identity. “It’s not about one particular star, it’s the ensemble that’s the star,” Mendoza said. “Everybody really takes the time to buoy each other up and cheer each other on. That’s what makes this so extra special.”The troupe also welcomed Lacey Keane over the summer, who now hosts as her stage persona, Dixie Hollywood. “It’s been a dream,” Keane said. “What I love is the ensemble — everyone buoying each other...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/q7XXsnSXT_u4mZLCn3chUorwDmUD_kWiB272D6emB18/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS80N2Uy/OGY5MWUwZThkYTEw/NDVkZGM2ZGZkZDIw/ZjliOS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}