A Letter We Never Wanted to Send

Dear Constant Reader,

I wish I wasn’t sharing this letter from Mr. Scratch.

It is with heavy heart we announce that we are forced to cancel all show dates for “The W. R. Athskellar Cavalcade of Curiosities” at this time.

The venue does not have the proper permits to allow us to perform there, and while they have been working on it for some time, it is clear they will not be in compliance with the the City of Somerville in time for us to open on Thursday — and they cannot give us a firm date as to whether they will open this month at all.

It is possible we will be able to reschedule for a later time in the year, but at this time all tickets are being refunded.

This is the first time in The Boston Babydolls long history that we have had to do anything like this. I fervently hope it will be our last.

We can neither express my level of frustration and disappointment with this turn of events, nor my gratitude to the performers and crew who have put in many hours putting together what would have been a spectacular show. I’m also grateful to all of you who purchased tickets and it is my fondest wish that we will be able to put on this truly unique and amazing show at some point in the future. If we do, you’ll be the first to know.

My thanks and apologies,

-=Scratch & The Boston Babydolls

Sorrowfully,
M2

Published in: on 2 October 2013 at 8:05 am  Leave a Comment  

Babydoll Brides!

Dear Constant Reader,

Vote for The Boston Babydolls for “Best Theatre Group” and B.A.B.E. for “Best Dance Classes“!

Today is Teaseday! You can still buy tickets in my name! I’m so close to clinching first place!


The past two weeks have seen the weddings of not one, but *two* former Boston Babydolls!

Billie von Bon Bon shower 2013First was songbird Billie von Bon Bon, out in sunny California. We were so sad we couldn’t be there! Knowing her, I’m sure it was a ton of fun and nobody stopped smiling for the entire weekend. I heard a rumor that she learned to play the ukelele and wrote and performed a song for her new husband.

Next up was once and future Babydoll, Vita Lightly, aka Sarah from Cycle 9 of ANTM, aka Sarah Hartshorne, international super-star model, aka Erratic in Heels. This celebration we did attend and it was just lovely. I think this picture just sums up Sarah perfectly: grace, beauty, and enthusiasm.

Sarah wedding

All happiness and best wishes to both couples! We love you all.

M2

Published in: on 9 July 2013 at 11:24 am  Leave a Comment  

Updates

Dear Constant Reader,

A few items of note today.

First, welcome back to reality for everyone who attended the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend. Congratulations to all the winners! And also to Scratch for coming in in the money in the Texas Tease’em Poker Tournament. Someday he’ll wear the winner’s garter again! In fact, Scratch and Betty had such a good time, the airline decided they should stay for another day.

The Boston Babydolls have been nominated as “Best Theatre Group” on The Boston A-List. This is a huge honor. Please vote for us!

We’re one week from The Teaseday Club. Support your favorite performer by buying a ticket in his or her name. Currently newcomer Cheeky Devine is in the lead with reigning sale queen Brigitte Bisoux right behind. Tickets are only $10 until Monday at midnight. Last month almost sold out, so don’t wait to get your tickets.

On Thursday The Boston Babydolls and our friend Vikki Likkerish are appearing at LUPEC‘s DrinkOne Wrap Party at The Sinclair. It’s for a good cause, so come on out, have a drink, and see a little burlesque!

Speaking of Thursday, I’ll be holding the first session of Chair Dance at B.A.B.E. If you’ve taken Introduction to Burlesque, this class will expand your skills.

I think that’s quite enough for now! Soon I’ll let you see my progress on the Fit & Flair dress.

M2

Published in: on 4 June 2013 at 10:08 am  Leave a Comment  

Very Busy

Dear Constant Reader,

The Boston Babydolls are very busy preparing for our summer show
Fine Art of Burlesque

So far we’re scheduled to appear at The Coolidge Corner Theatre, a couple of locations in Maine, and Pittsburgh, PA. More dates coming soon!

And we’re also working on an act you can only see Friday night at the Ohio Burlesque Festival, where we just happen to be headliners. (No big deal…)

And I’m cleaning up my sewing room in preparation for the Fit & Flair project, plus some other sewing I’m sure will be needed for the upcoming shows.

However, we did take time out of our busy schedule to see From Denmark With Love. You might recall that at The Bod of Avon there was a song about Ophelia (to the tune of “Goldfinger”). This is the show for which that was a teaser. If you’re looking for an evening of cheap, dirty, fun theatre, I urge you to go.

Busily yours,
M2

Published in: on 20 May 2013 at 11:44 am  Leave a Comment  

My Weekend

Dear Constant Reader,

Preparations for the weekend actually started on Wednesday when we were contacted to perform at a birthday party on Saturday. The birthday girl loves the movie Burlesque, so we were asked to dance to songs from the movie.

Except none of us had ever created a routine to any of the songs. Scratch was sure it wouldn’t be a problem for us to each come up with a new solo — after all, we had 3 whole days! That night at rehearsal Betty, Stella, and I ran though what we had come up with and left feeling pretty good about it.

On the big night, we were a big surprise for the birthday girl. I started things off with a fan dance to “Welcome to Burlesque”. Stella followed with an adorable striptease with a boa to “But I Am a Good Girl”. Scratch magically produced a “birthday card” for the guest of honor. Betty closed out the show with a high-energy strip to “Show Me How You Burlesque”.

After posing for pictures, we were done. It was early still and it seemed a shame just to go home when we were all dressed up, so we headed off to Backbar for some fabulous cocktails and delicious snacks. As usual, everything was great, especially the fig & pig jam and, I’m told, the Cherry Union cocktail. Stella had it as writ, but Scratch asked for it with vodka instead of gin. No shock, I had a champagne cocktail — a kir royale to be specific. Just as we were about to head out, our favorite bartender, Alex, brought over a wee dram of the violet sour milk punch. Amazing stuff.

Sunday we had our yard sale. We’ve been doing this burlesque thing for quite a while and have accumulated a lot of stuff. More stuff than we have room to store. Hence the yard sale. We had a lot of good stuff that has been supplanted by better stuff and we hoped it would go to someone who could use it. And a lot of it did.

I was delighted that we were one-stop shopping for singer Alissa Coates. She’s all set for her next gig with evening gown, gloves, and wireless microphone set. A small theatre company took some of the best audio and lighting equipment, including 2 really nice LED par 64s (listen to me sounding like I know what I’m talking about) for a bargain. Scratch even threw in a couple of pinspots for lagniappe.

Brigitte would write up the sales ticket that the customer would bring to Scratch to pay. And while she was at it, she also gave them a card for The Teaseday Club *and* her business card to remind them to buy tickets in her name. She likes to win…

There were a few items that are left from the Yard Sale, just in case you were interested… like 2 blacklights, a 1-ton beam clamp (aerialists know what I’m talking about) new in the box, some halogen worklights, and 2 torso mannequins. Interested? Let me know and we can negotiate.

Betty as Captain BurlesqueAnd here’s Captain Burlesque (aka Betty) wearing a few items including the infamous Spaaaace Apron.

M2

Published in: on 29 April 2013 at 3:31 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Expo: Pool Party

Dear Constant Reader,

After The Main Event there’s a party in the hotel pool. There’s much drinking, splashing, and dancing. The latter due to the fabulous surf band The Waveriders. They play all our favorite tunes for shimmying.

Everyone wears their bathing best, which can get pretty elaborate. I wish I had a picture of Betty who was entirely in red: bathing suit, giant rose hair flower (made by The Shanghai Pearl), red rhinestone jewelry set (from Su’ad & Farasha), and red-soled Loubetons (yes, really).

I like to think my entrance made a splash (pun intended). I was carried in by Brigitte & Evie. Why did I need to be carried?

expo-2013----cherry-k-tomatoes_(photo by Cherry Killer Tomatoes)

Gorjess IG(photo by Gorejess)

M2

Published in: on 23 April 2013 at 4:10 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Quiet Today

Dear Constant Reader,

You probably heard that we had a very bad day here in Boston yesterday. I’m sure you’ll understand if I take a little break from reporting on my Expo exploits today.

All The Boston Babydolls and our extended burlesque family are fine. Sad and shaken, but safe.

I want to thank our friends and fellow performers from around the world who checked in and sent well wishes yesterday. Your love and concern was quite overwhelming.

M2

Published in: on 16 April 2013 at 9:23 am  Leave a Comment  

Brief Pause

Dear Constant Reader,

I promise I will get back to my notes about The Expo, but I just spent a glorious long weekend in sunny Florida and need to take care of a little neglected business.

But I did want to let you know that you can see me at the first meeting of The Teaseday Club tonight at The Davis Square Theatre along with Alissa Coates, Amber Rane, Delilah Spring, Sally the Altar Boy, Stella Diamond, Vikki Likkerish and Ol’ Scratch.

Also, if you’re a dancer, actor, or any kind of movement-based performer, you want to take the Body Language for Performers Workshop at B.A.B.E. on Saturday. Joe Paul Williams is an amazing instructor — he will blow your mind and open your eyes. I cannot do his fabulousness justice, so just come take the workshop. At $35 for 3 hours, it’s a bargain and you’ll leave inspired. I promise.

M2

Published in: on 9 April 2013 at 9:42 am  Leave a Comment  
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The Great Burlesque Exposition of 2013

Dear Constant Reader,

I’m home from The Great Burlesque Exposition of 2013, exhausted but glowing! It was a fabulous event and I promise I will tell you all about it: the shows, the classes, the shopping, and the parties.

But right now, I need to get back to the real world and take care of everything I ignored during 3 days of sparkles and fun (and one day of lifting & toting).

M2

Published in: on 2 April 2013 at 10:38 am  Leave a Comment  
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Questions Answered

Dear Constant Reader,

I’m running a little contest to give away a fun and educational book. All you have to do is leave me a question on this post before midnight on Wednesday.

As you ask questions, I’ll answer them, as best I can.

Red Snapper asks: Where do you get your bulk rhinestones? I tend to shop locally and mix the grades of stones, but I’d love to buy bulk Swarovskis online if it’s more cost effective. I assume your stones for the pasties were an online purchase.

She’s talking about these pasties that we’re wearing at The Expo. I got the stones at Fire Mountain Gems. They’re a great resource for bulk rhinestones. You can buy by the dozen, the gross, and 10 gross. If you buy more than 15 units of anything, your price goes down. They don’t have every color, but their selection has gotten much better since I started shopping there years ago.

For smaller orders, I like Artbeads. They frequently have sales on Swarovski elements (like right now).

Always happy to do my part to make more shiny in the world.

M2

Published in: on 25 March 2013 at 11:43 am  Leave a Comment  
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