Dear Constant Reader,
A little backstory first. A couple of years ago there was this terrible movie that was called “Burlesque”, but actually had nothing to do with burlesque. Scratch decided he wanted to raise awareness of actual burlesque and hold an overnight marathon show the week before the movie opened. He recruited a ton of burlesque performers from all over the East Coast and we did it. We started at midnight and performed through until morning. It was exhausting, exhilarating, and a ton of fun.
Scratch had only planned it to be a one time thing, but so many folks were saying “next year…”, that, despite his better judgement, he did it again… and then again.
This year, after volunteering at Coney Island, Scratch decided to make the marathon a fundraiser with raffles to benefit Coney Island USA. He gave away a bunch of great prizes, but I don’t yet know what the final total raised was.
It was great to share a dressing room with old friends like BettySioux Tailor, Blitzen von Schtupp, and Corinne Southern. We were honored to witness the debuts of Minnie Holiday, Ginny Nightshade, and Ava Estrella (who all would have looked familiar if you saw The Wrathskellar). And first time MCs Reyn, Nick, and Ginny did a fantastic job! Some of my students, Amber Rane, Dagny Vanderlust, and Delilah Springs took the stage — with some of the acts they created last year in Burlesque Your Way.
We ended about an hour shorter than planned due to some last minute drop outs, act cancelations, and no-shows. But the audience still got an excellent show and those who stayed through the whole thing got breakfast at the end.
I brought my camera so I could share pictures with you all, but failed to unpack it. I especially regret not getting a picture of Mother Mischief (Mimi Mischief brought her mom!) asleep under Mimi’s pink balloon costume. I know there was video shot, but I don’t know about photos. If any turn up, I’ll let you know.
And Scratch swears he’s not doing it again next year.
Oh, The Glamourous Life! 