Miss Mina Murray

Dear Constant Reader,

Friday night we took our winter show, Brrrrlesque to Laugh Boston, a brand new comedy club in the Westin Waterfront hotel. Its a pretty sweet venue cushy green room with direct access to the stage (youd be surprised how often that doesnt happen) and super helpful staff.

The only drawback is the stage itself. Like I mentioned, the venue is a comedy club, so they stage is perfect for stand up. Not so much for dancing en pointe, walking on chairs, or 5 dancers flourishing silk veils. And…

Dear Constant Reader,

Its Friday and were on the verge of a storm here in New England. Of course, the Boston Babydolls will still be presenting Brrrlesque at Laugh Boston tonight and Brigitte and I are still planning to warm up the audience of Bettie Page Reveals All at the Coolidge Corner Theatre tomorrow at midnight.

Heres your tip!

Give your bras a break!

Avoid wear the same bra two days in a row. Like any vacation, the day off gives it a chance to relax and rest and ultimately e happier. The fabric gets…

Dear Constant Reader,

Ive given you some ideas (and then a few more) for places to acquire gifts this year. So, what would *I* like to see in my stocking this year?

* Any of the books on my Library Wishlist (or any burlesque related books that arent already in my Library. Bonus points if you buy them at an independent bookstore.

* Gift certificates are easy. Perhaps for Atomic Cosmetics, Secrets in Lace, Trashy Diva, and Stop Staring. I can always use skin care products, stockings, and dresses. Also, dance…

Dear Constant Reader,

After my list of authors and artisans to patronize yesterday, I was reminded of a few more, all of whom, as it turns out, make jewelry. Heres a quick list:

Emrys Handcrafted Fynery is a little steampunk, a little geeky, and all fabulous. (Personally, I love the Poe bracelet.)

Sunspot Designs for unusual jewelry with a goth bent.

Artist Laurel Cunningham-Hill makes Capsulariums, tiny showcases with delicate artwork made from wee animal bones.

More suggestions are welcome!

Happy…

Dear Constant Reader,

In a previous missive I recommended you buy gifts from various artists in the burlesque community. I didnt give you any suggestions because there are so many talented people out there and I couldnt possible include them all. I just know Id forget someone fabulous and feel terrible. I encourage you to go treasure hunting!

Today Im going to recommend some of my favorite other gifts sources. These are all little artists and businesses that make good stuff. Its not particularly…

Dear Constant Reader,

Happy Friday! Heres your tip:

Watch burlesque.

Dont perform in a vacuum. See what other people have done and are doing. Watch burlesque live. Watch burlesque on film. Watch new burlesque. Watch old burlesque. Watch performers you love. Watch performers you hate. Be frustrated. Be inspired. Become better.

Dear Constant Reader,

The Teaseday Club opened for members on December 3rd. Sadly, there were only about half the number of guests as in previous months. The late Thanksgiving really messed with everyones schedule, but those who were there got a real treat! Once again I was in the box office, so my reporting is a little spotty.

Scratch hosted the show. Our stage kitten was Naughtia the Elf. Photos were taken by Aaron Macks.

Set 1
Lucie Luxe, reigning Cookie Queen, reprised her chair dance to Toxic.

Rory…

Dear Constant Reader,

I know I was a tease yesterday by mentioning that we learned from the source why there is a tap dance prohibition at UConn, but not sharing that information with you.

We originally thought it had to do with marring the stage surface and suggested bringing a tap board for Brigitte, but nope, no tapping allowed.

The culprits told Scratch that they were members of the college Tap Team and last year a dancer fell on stage and split her chin open. After that, all tap dancing was banned as…

Dear Constant Reader,

The Boston Babydolls were invited by the frightening sounding SUBOG* to perform at the University of Connecticut yesterday. I was excited because weve never managed to have a show in Connecticut, my home state, although we have performed in all the other New England states.

We knew this show was going to be a challenge from the beginning:
1. Betty and Stella would still be away for Thanksgiving. Fortunately, Brigitte, Devora, Scratch, and I were available. And Corinne Southern was able…

Dear Constant Reader,

I just wanted to take a minute to let you know what was going on with your favorite burlesque troupe in December.

On December 2nd, Brigitte, Devora, Scratch, special guest Corinne Southern, and I will be at UConn, entertaining the students before the dark pre-finals days. Im irrationally excited about this show because Connecticut is the only New England state in which we have *not* performed. And my home state.

The very next day, December 3rd is Teaseday! Come on down to The Teaseday…