Holiday blitz: December shows.
Season's Cheer, Bettie Page style.
-Written and painstakingly compiled by Paul O’Connell of POC Photo (Contributor, Seattle)
‘Tis the season for an array of beautiful people to remove their clothes…in endless variations of holiday themes. To aid in the noble pursuit of holiday eye candy, what follows is a random list of events where you and your loved ones can loosen up a little and take in a show:
Land Of The Sweets-The Burlesque Nutcracker
Now in its sixth year, Lily Verlaine and Jasper McCann bring their “ecdysiastic splendor, spectacle & pageantry” to The Triple Door for a whopping 21 shows December 14-24. Land of the Sweets has become a holiday tradition for casual fans and burlesque aficionados alike; though the polished and highly successful production continues to grow, Lily and Jasper strive for a few surprises every year:
“This year’s production will delight the newcomer and surprise return visitors to the Land of the Sweets. New cast members formerly of Spectrum Dance Theater and Ballet Bellevue make the dancing even hotter! New costumes designed by Danial Hellman add extra glamour, and fans will get a chance to see the famous ‘Stargazer Gown’ created for Lily Verlaine’s performance at this year’s Burlesque Hall of Fame Main Event.”
Homo For The Holidays
Homo For The Holidays– back for it’s fourth annual run- is also becoming a holiday tradition, albeit of the more campy variety. The show is the work of DeLouRue Presents- the production team of Ben DeLaCreme, Kitten LaRue and Lou Henry Hoover (who naturally, double as performers). Head on over to West Hall in The Oddfellows Building for any of the 8 shows, including 2 performances on Christmas Eve (which is where I’ll be on that night).
“Homo for the Holidays is a hearty holiday fruitcake packed with rollicksome reindeer, cocky cookies, ghostly guests, sexy snowstorms, agile angels, musical Maccabees, and new ways to define coming home. It’s not Christmas in July, it’s Pride in December! Light your menorah, stuff your stockings, and join our chosen family in celebrating our favorite wintry holiday of all, HOMO for the Holidays.”
Stripped Screw Presents: The Best Burlesque Pageant Ever!
Stripped Screw Burlesque brings 6 shows in 4 nights (Dec 2-3, 9-10) to The Jewel Box Theater at The Rendezvous.
“Stripped Screw takes on the true meaning of Christmas in this throwback to your childhood Christmas pageants. Misfits, wise men, and a shining star all come together to form one magnificent disaster.”
The Heavenly Spies in Mezzo Lunatico’s Holidaze Extravaganza; & in Betty Burlesque: Holiday Edition
Don’t miss The Heavenly Spies in Mezzo Lunatico’s irreverently titillating holiday Show- 2 nights- December 16 & 17, 11pm. Also starring Iva Handfull, and hosted by Seattle’s “Premiere Fancy Lady”- Ben DeLaCreme.
Click here for information…
Or, meet the Spies under the mistletoe in a new holiday edition of Betty Burlesque at Can Can, 10:30PM Friday nights in December.
“The Heavenly Spies in their newest show! Seattle’s most glamorous and award winning burlesque troupe The Heavenly Spies are back this fall after 7 years of sold out shows and ready to shimmy and shake your socks off in their newest show Betty Burlesque! The Heavenly Spies began as a little known cabaret/burlesque group titled: Ultra and the Satin Dolls by a group of eager-to-perform Cornish graduates in early 2004. In 2005 after many changes the defunct Dolls, changed names, members and became The Heavenly Spies. They made their mark in the Neo-Burlesque movement in 2007 as the winners in Burlesque’s most prestigious competition The Miss Exotic World Pageant and have continued to wow sold out audiences with their death defying high kicks and gravity defying hair. All aboard the Betty Burlesque gyration station with choreography by Fae Phalen.”
Can Can Kitchen & Cabaret/ 10:30pm, Tickets: $10 Standing / $40 General Admission / $45 VIP
Christmas Stockings
The Pinup Angels present Christmas Stockings: A Burlesque and Cabaret Fundraiser featuring an all-star cast of Seattle talent. Hosted by Vincent Drambuie. All proceeds will benefit their care package fund to send morale-boosting gifts to deployed troops. One night only, Dec 17 at The Jewel Box Theater in The Rendezvous. Two shows, 7pm and 8:30pm. The Show is staffed entirely by Pinup Angels volunteers and friends. Produced by Kitty Baby Burlesque.
Nightmare Cabaret Before Christmas
La Petite Mort and Rebella Revolver bring you the second annual retelling of Nightmare Before Christmas:
“It was late one eve in Halloweenland, and the air had quite a chill. Against the moon a skeleton sat, alone upon a hill. He was tall and thin with a bat bow tie; Jack Skellington is his name. He will sing, he will dance, if you give him the chance, to entertain your eyes. You never know what you will see; it may be a chilling surprise….
Diva le Deviant will once again be your narrator in our 2nd annual retelling of Nightmare Before Christmas. Bigger and better than ever before, the cast will sing, strip and dance the evening away. With performances by Isaiah Crowson and La Petite Mort as Jack and Sally. Lili Delight returns as Oogie Boogie. Lock, Shock and Barrel wreak havoc on Sandy Claws with Sir Eddie Van Glam, Rebella Revolver and Madisun Avenue. Santa will be played by Gale Force with dazzling aerial. Dr Fink will be portrayed by Twisted Trystan with his mad capped sideshow. Red Rocket will make a special appearance (after his break out role as Frankenweenie in Burtonween) as the beloved Zero! Two nights only!”
Backbar Beauties Holiday Burlesque Extravaganza
Three dates! Three fabulous venues! Fremont, Belltown and Ballard…featuring Laela Lovechild, Madisun Avenue, Tin Pan Sally, Donatella MeLies, Olatsa Assin.
“BackBar Beauties holiday show is based on our own interpretations and memories of the holidays! We have Santa, Christmas Trees, Dreidels and Menorahs! A spectacular, eclectic burlesque show with something for everyone to enjoy.”
Dec 4: in Fremont @ Backdoor at Roxy’s (hosted by Miss Anita Goodman)
Dec 8: in Belltown @ Sonya’s Skyy Lounge (hosted by Miss Anita Goodman)
Dec 18: in Ballard @ Copper Gate (hosted by Flirty Sanchez)
All dates include 2 shows at 7pm and 9pm. All tickets available at www.brownpapertickets.com and can also be purchased at the bar at each venue.
Pasties for Pups!
“Baby it’s cold outside! Bundle on up and come help give the animals at PAWS a warm and happy holiday. We’ll be spreading good cheer and holiday spirit while we shake it like a snowglobe. All proceeds go of Pasties for Pups go towards the animals at PAWS.”
Featuring the warm AND fuzzy burlesque stylings of:
Flirty Sanchez
Ginger Snapz
Lowa DaBoomboom
Minni Bobbins
Sara Dipity
Solange Corbeau
Blithe Night
Candy Apples
Cherry Tart
EmpeROAR Fabulous!!!
Host Kai Curtis, Produced by Sara Dipity.
One night only, Dec 16 at The Jewel Box Theater at The Rendezvous.
The Return of The Anita Goodman Experience Holiday Special
Miss Anita Goodman and co-host Cassie O’Hara return to take another swing at the holidays for one night only, Dec 1 at The Jewel Box Theater at The Rendezvous. Join them as they “meet Santa Claus’s new girlfriend, the Christmas Bear with a sordid past”. Songs by Gams Galore, Gary Gloryhole, and Anita, also featuring Cassie’s annual holiday extravaganza performance of “Boob Job for Christmas,” complete with…dancing boobs. $10 for regular folks, half-price for fellow performers.
A Vintage Spectacular-Special Holiday Show
Produced by LoreDona (Aviva Voila and Lyla la Coeur) and hosted by Lyla la Coeur:
“After 2 packed shows we are continuing this new unique cabaret with live music by Cooper Smith and the Voyeurs and performances by some of the prettiest ladies in town.” One night only on December 17 at the White Rabbit in Fremont. You are encouraged to dress up in your vintage holiday best. Cash only at the door.
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In addition to the themed shows, there are still more burlesque and related events scheduled for December that might – or might not- include a nod to the holidays:
TUSH! Holiday Soiree and Calendar Release Party
Friday, December 2 Olympia’s own TUSH! ring in the holiday season in style:
“A glitzy, glittering, glamorous evening of delight awaits you; let TUSH! enchant you as only they can! Mingle, mix and meet the ladies themselves as they reveal their exciting 2012 TUSH! Burlesque Pin-Up Calendar, and take advantage of your chance to put it in that special someone’s stocking…and get one for yourself! Photo booth provided by Duda Photography to remember your fabulous evening. Appetizers and sweets provided, full cash bar and dancing with TUSH!’s fantastic foxes to the sweet sounds of DJ Ira Coyne! It’s guaranteed to make your season bright!”
**We will be dancing WITH you at this party, this party does not include a burlesque performance**
Cocktail attire preferred, 18+ admitted, cash bar 21+ with ID
Tickets: Adults: $10.00
Click HERE for tickets.
and there is also…
TUSH! Repeal Day Celebration!
“Pre-Prohibition Movies, Hand Crafted Cocktails, Burlesque with the girls of TUSH, Greta Jane Quartet, and your host storyteller Elizabeth Lord!
On December 5, 1933, Americans regained the freedom to imbibe, and Repeal Day is fast becoming a national holiday. Join in the 78th anniversary celebration with an evening of live music, burlesque, craft cocktails, and costumes from the time of Prohibition. Dress up for the time period and be automatically entered to win a night on the town. Local craft bartenders from Swing, Mercato, and Waterstreet will create Prohibition era cocktails while the Greta Jane Quartet performs jazz from the era. Also, performances by members of Olympia’s own TUSH! Burlesque and short movies from the time period will follow.”
Capitol Theater, downtown Olympia
$8.00 OFS Members/$12.00 General Admission -includes a quality craft cocktail!
21+ over ONLY (must present ID at the front door).
6 pm doors/7 pm show. Tickets available at Brown Paper Tickets, Rainy Day Records, and at the box office night of show.
Sinner Saint Burlesque’s DARK MATTER
Sinner Saint Burlesque continues their run Dark Matter every Thursday night at Noc-Noc from December 1 thru January 5.
“The planet’s axis tilts away from the sun’s life-giving rays and we are plunged into darkness. Dark Matter, Sinner Saint’s ‘holiday’ run, stares deeply into that longest night, baring what’s under and within our deep, dark fantasies. Skip the family reunion to uncover the arcane, tempt the taboo, and celebrate the celestial bodies of Sinner Saint Burlesque.” Hosted by Delilah.
Tempting Tarts Burlesque: A Year With The Tarts
The Tarts forgo a holiday show in order to bring their favorite acts of 2011 to you. One night only, December 16 (2 shows) at The Jewel Box Theater at The Rendezvous. Hosted by the Cavorting Mouthpiece- Dickie Gazoonie.
Westside Burlesque Revue
A New Year’s Eve Show also celebrating Westside Burlesque Revue’s one year anniversary. December 31 at The Skylark in West Seattle. Hosted by Mr. Bawdy.
“A night of sparkles, sexy performers, audience games, and door prize raffles. Come out, drink, and party with us! Remember to bring cash for raffle tickets and for fun pretties to remember the night!”
The Glitz And Grind Show
Gorejess Gals Burlesque presents the premiere of their new show The Glitz and Grind Show. Two nights, December 2 and December 16 at The Theatre Lounge at Amore Infused in Belltown, two shows per night.
“Gorejess Gals Burlesque invites guests to stroll the red carpet at the premiere of their exciting new production, The Glitz and Grind Show. The Gals will be more sparkly than ever as they present naughty new routines inspired by the glamour and grit of Broadway and the Silver Screen”.
Performances by:
Cherry “Killer” Tomatoes
Lila Dread
Pixie Parcelle
Colette Crimson
Gorejess Mimi Montgomery
Bootleg Burlesque
Produced by Solange Corbeau and Flirty Sanchez, Bootleg Burlesque has some guidelines for the performers: The acts must be new, performers cannot spend more than $50 on props or costumes, and no item from each act is to have been on a burlesque stage before. Hosted by Diva le Déviant. The show is one night only, Dec 3at Happy Endings Urban Mercantile on Capitol Hill. Tickets can only be purchased at the door night of show, cash only. No alcohol or any refreshments will be served.
Burlesque Behind The Pink Door
“The Pink Door brings you a veritable banquet of salacious peelers, operatic divas, boylesque gender benders and the best of Seattle’s performance art talent.”
Every Saturday night at 11pm. Cash only at venue. Produced by Sydni Deveraux.
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Clearly, you have some choices this holiday season. Regardless of where you choose to spend your holidays, get out there and support live, nearly naked performance.
Happy Holidays from Burlesque Seattle Press
Burlesque Seattle Press 
Caught the Stripped Screw show tonight. EVERYTHING I love about Seattle burlesque, but mainly Jesse-Belle Jones and Miss Kitty Baby. Terrific. Don’t miss this.