Tansy, John Behlmann, Emily Walton & More to Lead Burlesque Farce Eager to Lose at Ars Nova

The salacious world of burlesque will come alive in the world premiere of Eager to Lose, a new farce starring John Behlmann, Richard Saudek, Emily Walton, Stacey Yen and burlesque performer Tansy. Directed by Wes Grantom and Portia Krieger, Eager to Lose will begin performances October 9 at off-Broadway’s Ars Nova. The production will play a limited engagement through November 2.

Written by Matthew-Lee Erlbach, Eager to Lose was created by Grantom, Krieger, Erlbach and Tansy. The play invites audience members into the legendary Tim Tam Room, where music sizzles, champagne flows and dancing beauties tempt and tease. When Tansy, the club’s crown jewel, announces her imminent departure, the club’s emcee is left holding his heart in his hands. Hijinks and striptease collide as this night of classic burlesque unspools into a sequin-drenched, raucous farce.

Often described as “the Elizabeth Taylor of burlesque,” Tansy was crowned Miss Newcomer World 2012 at the World Burlesque Games in London, England. Behlman has appeared on Broadway in Journey’s End. His off-Broadway credits include Wild Animals You Should Know and The 39 Steps. Walton’s Broadway credits include Peter and the Starcatcher and August: Osage County. Her off-Broadway appearances include Cactus Flower, Saved and The Shaggs: Philosophy of the World. Saudek’s film credits include The Nearest Faraway Place and How Mata Hari Lost Her Head and Found Her Body. Yen appeared in The Arabian Nights at Arena Stage.