Behind the Neon: The Real Diamond Dolls Strip Club We Explored for Hulu’s ‘Summer of 69’
The movie “Summer of ’69,” a new film on Hulu, boasts a combination of comedy and awkward adolescence, with a dash of unlikely friendship. Set in Syracuse, N.Y., the coming-of-age comedy revolves around the strip club Diamond Dolls. The duo’s fans might not know that this club is a real-life spot where much of the movie was shot.
This article explains the actual Diamond Dolls, the actresses’ coaching experience, and how the production team found a way to embed a fictional story in real locations. That reality-fiction connection is part of what makes the movie so absorbing.
Diamond Dolls: Inside the Real Strip Club Behind the Show
That’s because the Barnes Avenue address is a strip club, with the gentlemen’s club Diamond Dolls at 6720 Townline Road in Syracuse. They picked the star of Summer of ’69 to add a touch of realism and provide actors with a setting that felt lived in.
The movie may be a work of fiction regarding its characters and story, but the choice of setting gives everything in the film a sinewy sense of place. One of the club’s actual dancers, a woman named Khaos, even appears in the movie to add a layer of authenticity to the scenes.
Chloe Fineman’s Role And Real-World Prep
The Saturday Night Live performer Chloe Fineman retired to Santa Monica in character. Inspired by fellow actors who scoped out strip clubs to prep for the role, she worked at Diamond Dolls and got pointers from authentic dancers, like Khaos. Khaos, who served as the club’s head chef and as a dancer, Fineman wrote.
This dual role added a touch of unexpected charm to the behind-the-scenes tale. Fineman also worked with professional trainers at Studio 360 Pole & Dance to master pole dancing and grow her upper body strength, showing her commitment to creating a believable performance.
Shooting In Syracuse Adds Flavor Of The Local Variety
The film was made by American High, a production company in Liverpool, N.Y. — a suburb of Syracuse — which has shot 20 movies in the Syracuse area. Summer of ’69 was no exception, making the most of local locations and talent to tell its story.
Filming inside Diamond Dolls lent an air of authenticity to the film today, particularly during some pivotal scenes, such as Abby’s last dance. “Dancers from the community” were involved in the production. Their participation lent authenticity to the club scenes and showcased the community’s thriving creative culture.
Pole Training With The Pros
Fineman and her co-star Liza Koshy learned from the best at Studio 360 Pole & Dance to polish their exotic dancing chops. They also collaborated with choreographer Travis Wall and continued to take classes after filming.
Liz Cox, studio owner, says the actors were eager and respectful of the medium. Their labor proved fruitful onscreen. Another studio, Aeriform in Solvay, also saw them practicing and commended their energy and effort. These behind-the-scenes efforts show how hard everyone has trained to make comedy resemble authentic drama.
After The Fiction, A Real-Life Heart
Summer of ’69 is the story of high schooler Abby Flores, hoping to impress her crush before graduation. She hires Santa Monica, an exotic dancer, to train her to become an expert seductress. Although the storyline is strange and made up, the emotions and locations feel authentic thanks to filming on location and using trained actors.
Daniel Fishel illustrates the story, and Characters like Santa Monica and Abby’s path to confidence and self-discovery make connections with viewers. At the same time, the actual Diamond Dolls are a living, breathing stage on which it all takes place.
Star Power At Diamond Dolls
The film has a stacked cast in addition to Chloe Fineman. Sam Morelos plays Abby, with veteran comedians Paula Pell, Nicole Byer, and Liza Koshy serving as colorful club workers. Ex-SNL cast member Alex Moffat portrays the DJ. Their performances at the club energize and make the bar scenes witty.
These popular names were learned and rehearsed in the actual club and fitness studios, so they were fun and authentic. This work helps the film strike the right balance between comedy and verisimilitude.
An American High School Grows In Syracuse
Summer of ’69 represents just one of several American High projects shot in Central New York. Working out of a converted middle school, the studio has made hits like Big Time Adolescence, Plan B, and Sex Appeal.
Their methodology combines local flavor with universal ease. By filming at real locations such as Diamond Dolls, they help raise the region’s profile as an entertainment destination. This brings cultural and economic benefits to the area and a strong platform for future productions.
FAQs
Is Diamond Dolls an actual strip club?
Diamond Dolls is an actual gentleman’s club in Syracuse, N.Y.
Did the movie shoot at Diamond Dolls?
Reduce. Yes, the filming also took place in the club, and interior and exterior shots of the club were used in some crucial scenes.
Were the dancers in the movie authentic?
Yes, they included local dancers, one of whom was Khaos, who was featured and helped to train the actors.
Was that Chloe Fineman as the pole dancer?
Yes, she learned from professionals at Studio 360 Pole & Dance for the role.
Is the story in the Summer of ’69 true?
No, the story and the people are made up, but the places where it was filmed are genuine.
Final Words
Based on this setup, “Summer of ’69” may be a fictional coming-of-age comedy, but it is rooted in real places and hard effort. A patchwork of humor, authentic performances, and real environments that go from the Diamond Dolls strip club to various local pole studios. The dedication from Chloe Fineman, the cast, and the creative team has transformed a bonkers teen dream into a film with heart, charm, and a real feel for the local culture of Syracuse.”
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