Leanne Borghesi's Musical Medleys at Feinstein's

Singer Leanne Borghesi returns to Feinstein's for a show which promises to push the cabaret envelope. She'll be performing "BDSM" at San Francisco's premiere club on Friday August 5 and Saturday August 6 at 8 pm.

"BDSM?"

Borghesi assures us in an interview that most people won't bat an eye at the show's title, which is a reference to the world of kink and S & M. But don't be surprised if there aren't any whippings during Borghesi's set. The singer tells us that in this case "BDSM" stands for "Beautiful Dirty Sexy Me."

"It represents the artistic journey of self-liberation with the fearlessness to bring an authentic voice as a strong woman to my work," Borghesi said. "As a supple, robust woman in my prime, this comedic theatrical cabaret challenges me to be my own dominatrix: Whipping my strengths, weaknesses, truths and fears into shape."

Borghesi added that creating the show has been "a blast!"

"I am calling it a comedic theatrical cabaret, because I am sharing a full story, blending over 25 years of my cabaret and theatrical training into one piece," she explains. "I have focused on the trajectory of women using the trope of the 1950s housewife. In this show I play a character extremely disconnected with the situation of her life."

That characters, Borghesi, promises, finds her voice.

"Supported by up-tempo and comedic musical choices, she finds the strength and power to ask for what it is she wants in life," she said. "I have included a lot of new and surprising elements with original erotic poetry, props and puppetry."

Borghesi, an out lesbian, continues to maintain homes in both San Francisco and New York City. The bi-coastal life allows her the freedom to travel to where the work is, and to maintain her relationship with wife Sharon Boggs, a sound designer in San Francisco.

"The ability to engage artistically on both coasts has given me great perspective within my work," said Borghese. "I'm thrilled to be able to rehearse this new one-woman show with my team in New York and then to transfer it to Feinstein's to share with my San Francisco audiences."

Borghesi noted that she combined over fifteen years of cabaret experience and over twenty-five years of musical theater experience into one show.

"It's an entertaining evening with the Borghesi flair for fun," she promises. "It's definitely a spanking good time!"

Leanne Borghesi performs at Feinstein's at the Nikko, $25-$45. August 5 at 7pm. Aug. 6 at 8pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 663-1063. www.feinsteinsatthenikko.com