Checking In!

Dear Ones,

It has been quite a while since I last made an appearance at The Scarlet Curtain.  Life has called on me to focus elsewhere for a time, and for awhile to come as well, but I thought I would check it quickly.  I haven't forgotten all of my dear, sweet friends and readers in the Burlesque Community!

I have a few things in the works.  Working on plans to further re-vamp The Jack & Wood Show with Polly Wood, some new duets included!  I'll be performing my Captain Jack act at Behind the Blue Door in July.  If you are a Doctor Who fan, you won't want to miss this show!  Last year was great, and I have a feeling this year will be even better.  I'll have more info soon!  And finally, I am super excited for the return of Burlesco Divino later this summer!

I am also hard at work making sure that attendees at this years BurlyCon are going to have some fabulous opportunities to learn, share and grow!  I'll release information about presenters, guests and so forth as they become public, so stay tuned!

Finally, I want to send warmest wishes and cheers of joy and pride to fellow performers representing Seattle at The Burlesque Hall of Fame this year/weekend!  Sydni Devereaux will be competing for Queen of Burlesque, and BOTH Waxie Moon and Paris Original are competing for King of Burlesque!  Also Trojan Original and Iva Handful are further representing as performers and innovators!  I couldn't be happier, unless I was there in person to cheer them on!

While Twitter and FB will be abuzz this weekend with hundreds of updates, be sure to check on BHoF's website as well.  This organization is doing lots of good work, keeping old traditions alive, performers remembered and adored, and helping to usher in the new!

If you want some of the hottest updates I would recommend following: Sir Eddie Van Glam, Miss Polly Wood, and Miss Indigo Blue on Twitter!

Well that is all for today.  I promise my I'll update again soon!

Loves!
~ Fosse

Sinner Saint Burlesque, "Long Kiss Goodnight"

In the “golden age of burlesque”, the women of bump & grind would perform for upwards of 20 minutes at a time.  The drawn out art of the tease, blended with a profuse amount of choreography or improvised dance meant that a single artist was an entire ‘Act’ all to herself.  Today the standard burlesque piece averages at about 5 minutes.  With YouTube, Netflix, Twitter, Facebook and other social media outlets dishing out instant gratification we are mentally geared toward shorts.  This isn’t necessarily bad! It’s just a new standard. Personally I love it when a performer can tell an entire story in the course of a single song, and can get bored if the ‘reach’ of an act extends the performer’s ‘grasp’.

With this in mind the concept of a burlesque show devoted entirely to contemporary long form burlesque, that is acts averaging 10 minutes or more, and involving varied elements of performance, is a risky one.  However, if you have been following my sporadic posts over the past 10-12 months you may note that one troupe in particular has been getting its kicks tackling risky concept shows!

I am, of course speaking of Sinner Saint Burlesque.

photo by Danny Boulet of WittyPixel Photography

The first of SSB’s 2013 season is called “Long Kiss Goodnight” and is composed of four feature acts, and a sprinkling of shorter group numbers.  Of the troupe’s five primary members, four participate in each night’s performance.  The themes of the individual pieces are surprisingly diverse, sharing only a joint dedication to a longer-form of act structure.  This diversity of theme provides the necessary variety needed to maintain the attention of a typically distracted audience and was, for me, very satisfying.

The show’s host, Cherry Manhattan, spun a story built around a decadent party.  Sporting a lovely RP dialect, a variety of evening and ‘after-evening’ outfits, and playing the role of a gracious, candid, professional party girl, Cherry was delightful and engaging!  Her mixing of borderline adolescent obsession with kissing, a peppering of pop-culture references, sophisticated innuendos, and obscure allusions allowed her to connect with the varied mob that is The Noc Noc’s usual crowd.  This was my first opportunity to enjoy Cherry’s hosting style and I very much hope to experience her again!

The first of SSB’s featured act was Polly Wood’s 'extended edition, director’s cut' of her Elizabeth Taylor Tribute.  Polly’s approach to the longer form structure of the show was to provide, in sequence, strip tease, reverse strip, strip tease, reverse strip, and final reveal.  In her interpretation of the famed Hollywood diva, Polly explored two of Taylor’s most remembered roles: Cleopatra and Maggie the Cat, and executed the costume changes necessary to play those roles, all without revealing her… well ‘lady apples’?  Polly’s take on Ms. Taylor leans more to the lighthearted than to the smoldering, walking the line between tribute and good natured parody, but she successfully captured moments of iconic Liz Taylor sexiness that the audience very much enjoyed it!

Second was Dona De Couri’s three part sketch/burlesque act involving a kissing booth, an Andrew Sisters’ style performance between herself, Polly Wood and Jesse Belle-Jones, and finally a classic strip tease.  The kissing booth sketch was hysterical! Dona’s initial revulsion, followed by decided enthusiasm provided the audience with vivid images of her ‘clients’.  The musical performance that followed was a delightful surprise.  I love it when performers open up in other ways!  Finally, Dona’s skills as a dancer, and consummate teaser, successfully pleased, entertained and titillated the audience, in the third movement of her piece.

Next up, Jesse Belle-Jones becomes the medium for a Grecian Goddess with her interpretation of Actaeon and Artemis.  Okay this was one of my favorite acts, but I am a huge myth buff! The act begins with a rendition of SSB’s harem girl group act, a piece that evokes popular images of Sapphos and the Isle of Lesbos.  Then with a little exposition from our gracious hostess, we are transported to a forest pool where the Goddess Artemis is caught in the act of bathing.  I don’t want to give anything away, but I will say that this little furry yiffed, the audience was left spell bound, and Julie Taymor would have approved.

Finally, Evilyn Sin Claire channels the majesty of the peacock, the mystery of a masquerade, and the allure of reflection.  Have you ever had a conversation with someone in a mirror?  There is something fascinating about reflections.  They capture our attentions, and our imagination.  Even as self aware individuals there is a child-like feeling of looking into another world. (Well that could just be me.)  Ms. Sin Claire utilizes this fact beautifully, teasing herself and allowing us to more fully experience the voyeuristic thrill that is watching a burlesque act.  This has to rank as one of my favorite piece performed by Evilyn.  There was a calm control about her that dominated the audience in a way I’m not sure they were fully aware of.  Few performers have the effect on me that Evilyn does (I’ll let you interpret that as you wish), and I am happy to say that once more she left me speechless!

So there we have it. Four featured acts, with a sprinkling of group participation, all skillfully performed with appropriate flash, flare and sex appeal.  It is a simple but risky concept. It was a show that I believe worked beautifully.  It was a show that I hope inspires and encourages other burlesque artists to up their game, go deeper into their art and make the antici.....PATION last longer for Seattle's burlesque fans.

Sinner Saint Burlesque is one of Seattle’s oldest, longest, continually operating burlesque troupes, and can be found at The Noc Noc Every Thursday Night.  I strongly encourage you to attend their run of a “Long Kiss Goodnight” which plays through March 14^th!

Loves! ~ Fosse Jack

"Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magic"

Sinner Saint Burlesque’s newest show, “Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magic” is one helluva spell. While opening night was not without a few kinks, the over all effects of SSB’s sensual enchantments were strongly and positively felt.

The narrative of this piece follows the individual journeys of six mortal women in their quest to instigate the return of the goddess Ishtar to Earth.  Ishtar, the Babylonian goddess of love, fertility, sex and war has fled to the Underworld in response to the ‘war on women’ agitated by 2012’s loud mouthed sexists in politics.  As a result lust has faded from the world, and with it the drive to propagate has diminished. The world itself stands on the brink of ruin, and the return of Ishtar is the only remedy against the extinction of life.

The story is a clever, if not so subtle piece of social commentary that draws on elements of ancient mythology to make a point.  The classical Ishtar was a powerful and important deity.  As a fertility goddess she was necessary to everyday life, she represented beauty, strength, and vitality, and the story of her descent into the Underworld is one of the most important and famous myths about her. She was also dangerous, as much daemon and deity, and other ancients myths tell of the ruin that came to the men that loved her. Even mighty warriors and fellow gods, lost virility and strength after tasting her love.  She was both loved and feared because she represented the strength, and aggression of women.

Considering the recent political movement against women’s rights, Ishtar is an appropriate icon.  But enough of that… it is not the intent of this article to analyze the politics of the show.  Just be aware that they are there.

While the Sinner Saints has been known for their thematic shows (Animalia being my favorite) this venture into story-based shows is still fairly new.  BSSM is only the second of their new narratives, but the Ladies have honed their theatrical chops since their first run earlier this spring.  BSSM is a strong story, and a more cohesive show.  The benefit of a narrative based show is that cohesion.  It allows an audience member a sense of total immersion.  Conversely, if an act doesn’t quite fit it sticks out a little bit more.  Over all, the acts in BSSM fit rather nicely.  That being said, don’t analyze too much.  A few cultural/geographic references used as introductory material seem out of place, or mismatched with the acts.  These did not take away from the show or individual performances, but for me at least, momentarily dispelled the suspension of disbelief.

BSSM features four of Sinner Saint’s Principles; Evilyn Sin Claire, Dona de Couri, Lady Tatas, and Polly Wood; as well as two new interns, Lotti Glitterati and Nikola Teasela.  Host Dive le Deviant serves in the role of Ishtar, and much to my pleasure the Sweethearts (Briq House and Penelope Rose) are as much a part of the storyline and show as the rest.  (Way to give props to the ‘hardest working girls in show business”!) 

With 6 solo artists, Seattle’s “Bitch in Charge” and the lovely Sweethearts all sharing the stage, there is a LOT of girl power rocking The Noc Noc this run.  The individual performances are all solid, and while opening night had a few costume glitches, and some difficulty with a hanging prop (keep your props simple to rig folks!), the ladies of SSB handled it all like pros. 

The highlights of the show, however, are the group acts.  That’s right, it’s plural!  While SSB has long performed group finales, the addition of an opening group act really gives this show a sexy kick-start!  Would Wicked be nearly as spectacular without its opening number?  How about a classic like Guys and Dolls, or contemporary burlesque shows like Land of the Sweets?  The opening of the show is what hooks the audience, and this show has a great hook!

So Ladies and Gentlemen, if you like stories about love goddesses being seduced into returning to Earth from the Underworld, revel in watching mortals find sexual enlightenment, or just happen to be a fan of T&A, Sinner Saint Burlesque’s “Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magic” is right up your alley.  For you burlesque aficionados, BSSM has a bit of classic, a bit of neo, a spoonful of theatricality, a pinch of punk rock and a healthy dose of raw, in your face sexuality.  I said it before, it’s one helluva of spell, and the Sinner Saints cast it well.

You can catch Sinner Saint Burlesque every Thursday night at The Noc Noc in Downtown Seattle, and I suggest you do!  “Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magic” will run through July 26^th! More information at: http://www.facebook.com/events/188558204603273/

Loves!

~ Fosse Jack

Upcoming Shows (June 2012)

Well Ladies and Gentlemen, it's that time again! That is, it's time to get the skinny on what all is going on in Seattle's Burlesque and Cabaret Scenes.  Here is my list!

This first event on my list is a labor of Love.  You may or may not be aware but Seattle lost two long time members of its performance art community in last week’s tragic shooting at Café Racer; Drew Keriakedes and Joe Albanese.  I did not know these gentlemen myself, but many of my dear friends and artistic comrades did. As easy as it would be to give into despair over the shooting and loss, it is so much more important to take heart and cheer on the community as they pull together to put on this first show.

Thursday 7^th, “IT’S BEEN GOOD TA KNOW YA! A Benefit for Café Racer Victim’s Family Fund” at The Neptune
A Concert, Sing-a-long and Celebration of the lives of our dearly departed, featuring members of Circus Contraption, God's Favorite Beefcake and many, many, more!
8pm ($15 donation)

Help us celebrate the lives of our dear friends with music and dance, while helping the victims' families with financial assistance.  Proceeds will directly benefit the families of the victims, the surviving victim, spouses left behind, and Cafe Racer.  Money left over will be used to create a living memorial for the victims and scholarships in their name.

Event Page - http://www.facebook.com/events/460622400633279/

The fan boy I am is excited to announce Sinner Saint Burlesque’s newest show will also launch this Thursday!  SSB performs every Thursday night at The Noc Noc, and are Seattle’s longest running weekly revue.  Here are the deets:

Thursday 7^th (and every Thursday Night), “Blood Sugar Sex Magic” at The Noc Noc

Sinner Saint Burlesque presents a narrative-cabaret experience that travels you along the path of six mortal maidens in pursuit of sexual enlightenment, and allows you to behold as they transform into supernatural sex-goddesses before your very eyes.

Supremely hosted by Diva le Déviant and starring the supernatural sensations Doña Dei Cuori, Evilyn Sin Claire, Lady Tatas, and Polly Wood. Also featuring the otherworldly talents of Lotti Glitterati, Nikola Tease-La, and the Sinner Saint Sweethearts.

Doors 9pm, show 9:30; Tickets $15

To reserve seats email Info@SinnerSaintBurlesque.com

Friday 8^th, “The Sexiest Catch: An Undersea Adventure” at The Jewelbox

The Tempting Tarts Presents “The Sexiest Catch”. Get ready to set sail on the S.S. Tart as we take you on a nautical adventure through the glittery waters of burlesque! It's gonna be a magical, rainbow-colored journey through the sea! What will be the catch of the day!?

Event Page - http://www.facebook.com/events/239461822835433/

Back in January I started hosting a monthly cabaret at The Can Can.  For one night a month I get to channel Joel Grey, tell stories, and take people on a journey into a dark and hazy world.  It’s a blast and I’d love to see you there sometime!

Sunday 10^th, “The Sound and Smoke Cabaret” at The Can Can

Return to an era of decadence and debauchery, as our little band of misfits explore the pre-WWII German Cabaret Er...a once again! New acts, some new performers and a perfect way to end your weekend and get home early on a Sunday night!

Event Page - http://www.facebook.com/events/184345585026953/

Ladies and Gentlemen, an era is coming to an end this month! Cabaret Scene Celebrity Anita Goodman has been hosting her variety show at The Rendezvous for years, and this month will mark her last production there.  Where is she going from here?  Knowing this “crazy (like a fox) blonde bombshell” it could be anywhere!

Thursday 14^th, “The Anita Goodman Experience Season Finale” at The Jewelbox

The Anita Goodmann Experience returns for its final appearance at the Rendezvous Jewel Box Theater at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 14, 2012 . The Rendezvous is located at 2322 2nd Ave in Seattle’s Belltown Neighborhood. Tickets are $10 and available at the door.

Event Page - http://www.facebook.com/events/365202463532990/

Shameless plug alert!  You should come see me in this next event…

Monday 18^th, “Starving Artists on Parade” at The Noc Noc

Starving Artist on Parade is a variety night of true proportions. We look all over the Seattle area looking for up and coming talent here in Seattle. Every third Monday at the Noc Noc you can come and see the very best of what Seattle has to offer, live music, burlesque, bellydancing, magic, mayhem and more!! Each month we provide a wide gamut of talent from performers to vendors; eight performers, four vendors, all for the low price of only $5!!!

Tuesday 19^th, “Tuesday Tease: An Evening of Burlesque with Live Accompaniment” at The LUCID

Tuesday tease is Seattle’s only bi-monthly burlesque revue with live musical accompaniment!  The show brings together the musical styliens of the Lurid Spectacles (Meg van Huygen, Tyson Lynn, Jono Green, Jeff Myers and Jen Nelson) and a rotating cast of Seattle’s best burlesque artists to create an evening of eye-popping and toe-tapping entertainment.  Tuesday Tease takes place at LUCID in the U District on the 3^rd Tuesdays of the month, in April, June, August, October and December.

Hosted by Sailor St. Claire, June’s show features burlesque by Sir Eddie Van Glam, Lola Lockeheart, and Bitsy Rini!

Event Page - http://www.tuesdayteaseseattle.com/

Okay this one isn’t a burlesque show, exactly, but there will be a lot of ‘showing’ going on, including some burlesque, and just a whole lot of interesting, sexy, and just plain weird stuff. J  If you like burlesque, or happen to be a fan of sex in any or all of its many varieties, it’s worth looking into!

Thursday 21^st, Friday 22^nd, & Saturday 23^rd “Seattle Erotic Arts Festival”

Enjoy an immersive experience of world-class visual art, erotic short films, glittering performances, captivating literary art, interactive installations, vibrant after-parties, enlightening lectures and workshops, a wildly popular Festival Store, and so much more.

Event Page - http://www.facebook.com/events/211593818957526/

I have had the great fortune of lending my talents as an emcee to this quirky &  macabaret (I’m coining that phrase, but feel free to use it!).  The Blackmoor Travelling Picture Show is like The Addams Family crossed with an Old World Troupe of Minstrels, and maybe the B-52s.  Fun right?  You should check it out!

Thursday 28^th, “The Blackmoor Revue” at The Can Can

Join the Blackmoor Travelling Picture Show as they present a wild cabaret of twisted performance and music. Featuring new material and some very special friends, each show will be a unique event you won't wanna miss!

Event Page - http://www.blackmoorshows.com/

Thursday 28^th, “Westside Burlesque Revue” at The Skylark

For those of your on the Westside, here is an opportunity for some ecdysiastic entertainment.  The 4^th Thursday of every month bring the Westside Burlesque Revue at The Skylark Café.  Producer Whisper De Corvo imports artists from across the water (well the bridge at least) to put on this show.

Intimate, fun, and affordable, this show is a great night out for you West Seattlelites!

Event Page – http://skylarkcafe.com/calendar.html

Calling all Seattle geeks, nerds, sci-fi fans and anglophiles, this next show is meant for you!  Ever wonder what happens inside that blue box? Some of Seattle’s geekiest burlesquers are coming together (snerk) to share their TARDIS inspired fantasies with you.  The Doctor is in… but which of his Companions is receiving?  Is it Rose Tyler or Sarah Jane Smith? Maybe Donna Noble (nah, they’re just mates!)? What about pan-sexual Jack Harkness, or the incorrigable River Song?  It might not look it from the outside, but behind the blue door there is room for them all!

Friday 29^th & Saturday 30^th, “Behind the Blue Door” at The Annex Theatre

Behind The Blue Door: A Dr. Who-inspired Cabaret is our sexy, silly take on the Whoniverse. Join us for an evening of burlesque, dance and more as we shimmy, shake, tease, and twirl our way across time and space with the help of a tarted-up TARDIS. With eleven Doctors, multiple companions, several spin-off shows, and an entire universe to explore anything can happen!

Event Page - http://www.facebook.com/events/238888586215972/

As you can see there is a LOT going on this month, and there are even more awesome opportunities coming up later on in the summer, so stay tuned! I'll be keeping you tuned in!

Loves!

~ Fosse Jack

Want a personal recommendation? Send me an e-mail or look me up on Facebook.  I’d be happy to chat with you help you pick your ‘ideal show.’

Are you a performer or producer in the Seattle community and have a show coming up later this summer? Send me the details and I’d be happy to pass them on.

Grab Bag! A Burlesque Revue

Tonight a new producer has made her mark on the ever growing Seattle Burlesque Scene.  Miss Scarlett O’Hairdye, a graduate of the Academy of Burlesque and a founding member of the Sass Boom Bang Burlesque Troupe has launched Unnatural Redhead Productions with Grab Bag! A Burlesque Revue.

Typically the term ‘grab bag’ is one laden with mixed connotations, but the show this evening was pretty solid all around.  The evening had elements of glamour, comedy, seduction, and more with the comic styling of Jenny Sayquah tying things together.

From experienced burlesquers Iva Handfull, Whisper De Corvo and Mitzy Sixx to some of Seattle’s newer talent such as Solange Corbeau, Lotti Glitterati, Ginger Julep and Violet Deville, to belly dancer Katana, and of course producer Scarlett, “Grab Bag!” provides a fair variety of burlesque entertainment.

The highlights of the show were most definitely Iva Handfull, whose precision performance and hyper sexuality is among the best in Seattle, Lotti Glitterati, a Burlesque Starlet in the making, and producer Scarlet O’Hairdye whose in your face attitude was a particular crowd pleaser and whose act was good finish to the show.

As far as back bar entertainment goes, you could do far worse than “Grab Bag!” at The Marsbar, and if you don’t already have plans this Saturday evening, I’d suggest you check it out.  The Marsbar has decently priced drinks, and for its first show Unnatural Redhead Productions has put together a good line up and a consistently entertaining show.

Grab Bag! A Burlesque Revue

Feb 4th @ 8:00pm and 10:00pm.
Tickets $10 at the door.
Boobs Included.

Loves!

~ Fosse Jack

MOD CAROUSEL in Sinner Saint Burlesque's Winter Guests Extravaganza

Okay, so there are times when writing a review of a show is difficult.  One is when you are friends with the performers and the show is not very good (not applicable).  Two is when you are a bit intoxicated (admittedly applicable).  Three is when the you are friends with the performers and they are so good that they blow your minds (very applicable!).  If any or all of these are true is it almost impossible to be objective, there for, I'm not going to try.


MOD CAROUSEL's performance at The NocNoc tonight was f*ing awesome!  A show about three super sexy super heroes fighting a 'trio' of pop-diva vixens that would turn half of Seattle's Drag Queens green with envy?  How could this not be amazing?  Well it couldn't, because it is amazing!


Okay, forewarning, my Boy calls me "Puddles" for good reason... this puddle is just for Mod Carousel.  ;-)


The Luminous Pariah has been among my top favorite male performers ever since I saw him perform at Magnum, four years ago (ish).  His comedic timing, showmanship and daring would be enough make him amazing.  Add that on top of a smoking hot body?  Okay... a reviewer should maintain objectivity... not objectify.  Two different things.  But it's true.  Luminous takes the Drag art-form and makes it his own.  He lip syncs, and struts about in outrageous costumes, but he is really smart about.  I already think David Attenborough adorable, but thanks to Luminous... well I might need my Sweetie on hand next time I watch The Life of Birds.


The Paris Original made me cry the first time I saw him perform.  Few women, let alone men, have such mastery of the emotional element of ballet as Paris does, and his skill en pointe is breath taking.  What more he blends prima ballerina poise with go-go boy's abandon and that is something even fewer people can do!  So whether he is selling a soul wrenching piece of choreo or making me laugh myself silly with a sly look and boyish grin I adore this performer, and am constantly in awe of his skills.


Trojan Original, the "Strong Man" of this super trio is a bon-a-fide stud muffin.  With the bravado a premier danseur and the talent to back it up, Trojan is a delight to watch.  He is what would happen if a cartoonist captured the disciplined essence of Baryshnikov and the campy styles of a self-aware Schwarzenegger.  On a side note, few hetero-guys can do what Trojan does with impunity.  I'm serious, a lot of straight guys in burlesque, make straight guys in the audience uncomfortable.  Trojan knows how to play his audience.  He tugs at the... um, heart strings, of straight women and gay men, and makes straight boys laugh their asses off, cause he's just that good.


Okay so anyone who has heard me gush over one or all of these boys knows that I have a huge crush on each of them, but let me tell you that after tonight that crush extends to their female member as well.  Leeni, the hostess and chanteuse of the evening was amazing, and played the roles of three different drag queens with the flare of a true musical theatre maven.  I haven't felt this way about a girl since I watched Megan Mullaly perform in Young Frankenstein.  Great stage presence, great voice and excellent versatility.  Brava diva!



And no I didn't forget you Dona, sweetie! Dona De Cuori, the lovely lass whose task it is to hold down her the fort while her Sisters are off in London rocked it tonight.  Dona's blend of dancer and comedienne is solid, and highly enjoyable, and her acts fit beautifully into the story line.  Win!


Okay, gushing done, artistically this was a very good show.  The individual choreo was superb and even though the physicality of the three male performers did not sync up perfectly in the group numbers, their dedication and joy in the art forms did.  As for the show as a whole, it is one of the better examples of a theme show, woven through story, that I have seen in a long time.  The individual acts, pulled from existing repertoire were easy to see in the new light of Leeni's comic book plot line.


Ladies and gentlemen, let me seriously recommend this show.  Well as seriously as I can knowing that their is only one more chance to see it and I want to go again.  :-)  Next Thursday at The Noc Noc.


Loves!
Fosse Jack

Upcoming Shows to Start the New Year!

Happy New Year Dear Ones!


So after a tumultuous end to 2011, I am back and am excited to make my first post of 2012. What better way to start off the New Year with a sneak peak at an upcoming show? Well a sneak peak at several upcoming shows, of courses!

The first coming up is the closing night of DARK MATTER, Sinner Saint Burlesque’s latest burlesque revue. Thursday night will be the last performance of this run, and the last time you will get to see the Ladies of SSB before they jet-set to London for a 2 month run at The Brickhouse! Join host Delilah, and performers Evilyn Sin Claire, Lady Tatas, Jesse Belle-Jones, and Polly Wood as they explore the darker side of the universe, world, and femininity.

DARK MATTER

I know you are asking yourselves: What?! The luscious ladies of Sinner Saint Burlesque are going to be gone for TWO MONTHS? What will we do on our Thursday’s nights? Well the answer is simple, you are going to keep going to SSB’s weekly revue and see some pretty awesome guest artists

! To start this extravaganza of Sinner Saint’s Friends and Family will be another of Seattle’s hottest troupes: MOD CAROUSEL!

Join the Luminous Pariah, the Paris Original, the Trojan Original, and the lovely Leeni, with SSB’s Dona de Cuori rounding out the line up with those luscious hips and shapely legs! With so much sexiness on stage, this is a show you don’t want to miss!


MOD CAROUSEL

Finally, one more show to put on your calendar will be your first chance to see me performer this year! Resolutions: A Burlesque and Drag Review Show is the lasted production by Vixen Valentine and Beatrice Belladona. This one is going to be a performer’s choice show, so anything could happen. The lineup includes: Vixen Valentine, Beatrice Belladona, Ursula Major, Sara Dippidty, Chesty LaRue and more. And hosting this grab bag of burlesque will be The Glamorous Gal With The Golden Gullet, Gams Galore!

Resolutions: A Burlesque and Drag Review Show

A lot can and will happen this year so make sure you get out and make the best of it! Hope to see you at one or all of these shows!

Loves!

~ Fosse Jack

Back Bar Beauties Burlesque

One of Seattle’s newest troupes, Back Bar Beauties Burlesque, is attempting a new approach to building their audience base. Their holiday show is playing three nights in three different bars, and three different neighborhoods. Last night this gypsy troupe of burlesque performers was at Sonya’s Skyy Lounge in Downtown Seattle. I am a big fan of the traveling show format.  Some of my best experiences as an actor have been with such shows, so I am excited to see a troupe embracing this in the burlesque community.

I applaud the Beauties’ for this concept and the guts to go this route with their shows.  It is hard work and creatively very challenging.  I do want to caution them that they are going to need to ramp up their game if the troupe is going to have staying power.

Individually the acts were all pretty solid, aside from feeling a bit cramped (Sonya’s back bar has a tiny little stage), but as a collection the show felt a bit… lackluster. At first glance the show seems pretty varied. Laela Lovechild’s tap dance routine was high energy and spirited, and I was impressed by her choreography. Tin Pan Sally and Olatsa Assin’s musical theatre themed acts added a lovely element of vocal performance to the show; and Tin Pany Sally's Misery themed piece was pretty darn funny. Madisun Avenue’s wind up doll was a beautiful and fun take on the classic Nutcracker’s Columbine, and Donatella Melies engaged the entire audience with her Christmas tree act. All of this was great!

Where the show lost me was that despite the apparent variety, nearly everything ended the same, followed the same arc of the tease, and honestly there wasn’t enough teasing in the show for me. Stripping and baring a beautiful body is all well and good, but I wanted so much more from these lovelies. I wanted more power on the stage, more confidence, more sensuality. I wanted more costume, more pieces to remove. I wanted more spectacle, perhaps a touch of pageantry.

My final critique is that the group act felt superfluous. It neither introduced something new nor topped what was previously seen. As a finale it kind of dragged. As an encore however it would have worked fairly well. My advice to the ladies of BBBB is to switch the order of curtain call and your group act.

All of this boils down to the structuring of the show. A good burlesque show is itself a burlesque act. There should be an arc, a tease, and a solid finish. The audience should want more but feel satisfied at the same time. This takes practices, trial and error and flexibility to switch things up and if this group sticks with it I think they’ll put together some really fun collections.

Back Bar Beauties Burlesque, with Laela Lovechild, Olatsa Assin, Donatella Melies, Madisun Avenue and Tin Pan Sally, has one more performance of their holiday show coming up at Coppergate in Ballard, December 18th. Help support this troupe and give them some love and encouragement. There is potential here!

Loves!

Fosse Jack

PS: If you continue to use the personable and lovely Miss Anita Goodman as your hostess, remember that Anita is the ‘eye of a hurricane’, the calm within a storm.  Don't be afraid to bump it up a notch to provide a stronger contrast with your emcee!

Upcoming Show: Christmas Stockings

I am the proud brother of a United States Marine. My brother has been an anchor of support for me, accepting me as gay when the larger part of my family has not been able to accept that part of my life. He is clueless of course as to how same-sex relationship work and I have to say I laughed really hard when he asked me if I was the “man” or the “woman” in the relationship, but that aside I cannot begin to fully express my gratitude for him personally or my pride in what he does.

I cannot agree or be happy with many of the choices the US government has made over my lifetime or is still making, but I will continue to lend my emotional and vocal support to the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces. Now I get to help out with more!

Seattle’s Miss Kitty Baby (also a US Marine!) and her Pinup Angels are having their holiday show fundraiser to help raise money for care packages which they will send to US Troops the world over. The show, Christmas Stockings will be held at The Rendezvous on December 17th with a performance at 7:00pm and a second at 8:30pm. The lineup is super sexy and will include Miss Kitty Baby, Lucky Penny and Tamara the Trapeze Lady among others!

I would love to encourage all of you to add Christmas Stockings to your holiday show list (I know there are a lot!) because the cause is a really good one. Whether you agree with government policy or more likely do not, I know that my burlesque comrades won’t be able to say no to supporting the offering of sexy cheesecake and goodies to stressed out men and women!

Help ensure some Angels’ ears will ring and come to Christmas Stockings.

The Pinup Angels present Christmas Stockings: A Burlesque and Cabaret Fundraiser featuring an all-star cast of Seattle talent. All proceeds will benefit our care package fund to send morale to our deployed troops.

Dec 17, 2011 TWO SHOWS!
7:00 PM & 8:30 PM
$15 Advance... $20 DOS
Get Tickets Here!
Loves!

Fosse Jack

Bootleg Burlesque, Top Shelf Burlesque at Recession Proof Prices

Last night at Happy Ending Urban Mercantile, a store front repurposed for the evening as a performance venue, hosted a theatrical throwback to burlesque’s fringe origins in Seattle. The show, Bootleg Burlesque, produced by Solange Corbeau and Flirty Sanchez, paid homage to prohibition era entertainment and depression era values … doing taboo things on the cheap.

There were two rules that every performer had to follow. 1) They could not spend more than $50 on a costume (which is a feat to be sure!) and 2) any pieces they repurposed or borrowed could have never been used as part of a burlesque act before. So this group of artists stretched the limits of their creativity to create acts that were both visually entertaining AND inexpensively fashioned, and despite these limitations they all succeeded.

The venue itself presented both challenges opportunity. The size of the performance space was a hindrance, and more than once I was afraid a performer was going to crash into one of the nearby pieces of furniture or the audience. Being space conscious myself, it was not a venue I would have felt comfortable performing in, for the sheer fact that from the wall to the audiences’ noses I wouldn’t be able to extend my 6’4” wingspan (damn lanky limbs). As for the audience, I was fortunate to have a good seat and even I lost sight of the performers from time to time. If the producers are going to continue producing here they will need to either reformat the staging or lower the ticket price. The front row had a $15 view, but most everyone else ended up just a little cheated.

That being said if the producers reconsider the staging (perhaps consider doing a floor show in the round?) the space offers some amazing opportunities that almost make up for the disadvantages.

Last night Bootleg Burlesque allowed Seattle burlesque performers to break the last major taboos of our performance community. In an alcohol free venue the legality surrounding nudity is loosened and the removal of a pasty becomes the final reveal that Seattle audiences have yet to experience. I am glad that most of the performers retained their nipple coverings, because it made the couple of times where nipple was bared all the more powerful and sexy.

The cast of performers never failed to impress.

Hostess Diva Le Deviant was in her element in this intimate space, and wearing little save $50 (seriously she had $20s for pasties and a pair of $5s as a merkin!) she titillated the audience with her unique blend of elegance, class and over-sexed bawdy humor. Diva darling, you are a Tigress among future-Cougars.

Musical artist Sara Dippity serenaded us during the pre-show and intermission with some beautifully sung, sultry jazz pieces. It is hard work to entertain an antsy audience during their break, and it can be thankless but Sara took it all in stride and I very much appreciated her performances.

Polly Wood opened the show with her blend of classic bump and grind, silver-screen inspired storylines and musical theatre camp. I love it when a burlesque act tells a clear story and Polly is one of the best storytellers in the art form.

Harriet Scary followed Polly. Harriet is what happens when you take a performance artist, lock them in a dark room and starve it. Than after a couple of weeks you unleash it into a flock of captive audience members. I mean this as both a compliment to the artist and a warning to any future audiences that get to experience this off kilter trany-wreck.

The next performer was new to me, but I will have to say that he can join the trio of plushy-pals on my bed anytime. Gosh I could snuggle with Teddy Bare for hours. Teddy’s act was short, sweet and funny, and he had a mastery of comic self-consciousness that few artists can affect with any level of truthfulness. I hope to see more of him in the future.

Solange Corbeau entertained us with her love of whiskey (which is a real and very romantic thing… I’ve heard her discuss this passion before), in a solid piece of moonshiner comedy.  Her opening was the funniest thing of the night, I love it when a performer can make me laugh by doing 'nothing.'

Another performer new to me was the first act closer, Fanny Tragic. With my brief experience of this performer I feel confident in saying that Fanny is the love child Lucille Ball and the Clown from It. There was a little too much time between the first and second parts of her act but the audience seemed to be entertained enough to allow it, so I will too.

The second act was opened one of my favorite camp-artists, Lady Tatas. Tatas performed her Dimestore Diamond act with finesse and flare. Her costume was also the most creatively crafted, using trash bags, beads and other mundane objects to create a rather dazzling show girl ensemble. Lovely.

Watching Madisun Avenue perform is like watching the collision of a group of gossamer clad coryphées in slow motion. She is graceful, limber and mesmerizing. Her three part act structure is also refreshing allowing the audience to bask in her presence for longer than a single song.

Olatsa Assin packs a lot of attitude into her petite frame and her number last night embraced that attitude. I would have liked the act to go for a little longer, because two minutes of Olatsa just isn’t enough. I haven’t seen anyone tie a tie in a reverse strip yet. Hint. Hint.

Flirty Sanchez embraced the repressed energy of Prohibition Era and the drive and passion of the coinciding Suffrage movement in an act done to spoken word poetry. It was fascinating and I couldn’t help but compare Flirty to Catherine Hepburn as her regal presence captivated me. Normally such an act, that is one without a strong musical anchor, would have lost the audience pretty quickly but Flirty commanded them and they obeyed. Brava.

Randi Rascal was the final performer of the night, and her performance will have a lasting impression on me. Like Flirty, Randi used minimalistic movement to convey her message. But while Flirty’s motivation was to simply express the truth, Randi’s was to actively dominate her audience and that she did well. Randi’s reveal of a single bare nipple was terribly sexy, but it was the appearance of a whiskey flask hidden somewhere upon her nearly naked person that brought the house down. She pulled WHAT our or her WHAT? Seriously yo, that was some sexy sh!t.

Last night the performers brought game to a playing field that was far from ideal and they rocked it. I’d like to applaud each of you, and look forward to seeing more of this kind of awesomeness in the future.

Loves!

Fosse Jack

Sinner Saint Burlesque Presents: DARK MATTER

Sinner Saint Burlesque’s current show DARK MATTER is an exploration of the darker side of the soul; a journey through the “cosmos” in search of something that cannot be found externally because it only exists within our minds. It features a variety of burlesque acts, a few old favorites and several new pieces. Last night Evilyn Sin Claire, Dona Dei Cuori, Jesse Belle-Jones, and Polly Wood performed (Sorry I missed you Tatas!) with internationally known belly dancer, Delilah as host.

As a host Delilah is charming, if a little scattered. She approached the audience with good natured humor and shared some interesting “dark matter” facts. I would have liked a little more introductory info with certain acts, Dona’s especially could have used some extra set up (I thought the Alistair Crowley bit and “the beast” would have been great to elaborate on!). I would have also loved for her to play more with the “woman of the night” and less with the pirate captain schtick, but I have never been able to share Seattle’s obsession with pirates. I also feel that in act three when she let the piratic-affectation go to talk of life and death she seemed the most natural and comfortable. More please! Also more dancing, I very much enjoyed watching you!

Jesse Belle-Jones’ acts, her “Straight Jacket” number and her “Cycles” act (not sure what she calls it) were both exquisite. She explored and embraced the 'dark' aspects of femininity such as the strictures that society and psychology put on the female mind and the fact that women’s bodies rebel against them once a month. I have long believed that by embracing the difficulties pressed upon you, the evils so to speak, rather than fighting them, causes them lose their power over you. These were excellent and beautiful examples of embracing these trials and finding empowerment in them.

Polly Wood’s acts, the “Whore of Babylon” and “Soldier’s Wife” also explored the dark aspects of the soul. In one she delivers death to the “faithful” and finds pleasure in their blood, in the other she prepares both herself and her love for the death that is inevitable. I would have really liked to see a 'body' in the first act, but I'm not sure if thats in the 'sweet hearts' job description.  (Hey Polly, let me know if you want to kill me on stage!)  The Soldier’s Wife is especially powerful and I am glad she brought this one back. It makes me cry every time I see it.

Dona De Cuori explored the dark side of spirituality (or perhaps spiritual identity?) and the transformative power of death. In her “Beast” act she portrayed a shamanistic revelry or ecstasy as first, she was the beast, and then found her passion in the beast. Her “Black Feathers” act featured a fan powered ‘inferno’ and showed the dark, bestial, side of her being burned away to reveal her humanity beneath. I would have liked for her to take her head piece off, and complete the transformation.

Evilyn Sin Claire showed us the dark side of everyday life, specifically the extent to which our society will seek excuses for ‘illicit behavior’ in this case, Ambien. Fortunately Evilyn doesn’t need the excuse of “the pills made me do it” to tease and tantalize us with those vivacious curves! Her final act, embraces “The End”. An exploration of Mayan eschatology, and the movement toward the end of that calendar and the birth of a possible new age, this act is (and leads into) the piece de resistance of DARK MATTER.

As a whole DARK MATTER is an entertaining, and thoughtful revue. The individual acts are of SSB’s usually professional quality and with some polishing and streamlining of segues the show could be among their strongest.

In case you didn’t know SSB will be leaving Seattle for spell in January 2012 (to grace London with their presence!), so DARK MATTER will be the last run most of us will have the privilege of experiencing till they get back in early March. Check it out folks, this one makes you think! (I also have it on good authority that when Lady Tatas is back, she will be reprising her "Toddlers and Tiaras" act... which is one of these creepiest things I've seen on stage!)

Loves!

Fosse Jack

Academy of Burlesqe 202 Recital

I don’t normally do write-ups for shows that I perform in, but my classmates deserve the recognition! On Saturday night I joined Man Johnson, Piston Chambers, Summer Lovin, Rip Curl, and the Rhinestone Stud, Sir Eddie Van Glam, on the stage at West Hall for the Burlesque 202 Graduation Recital. Our host? The Man, the Myth, the Mustache, Ernie Von Schmaltz!

Man Johnson: Few recital acts receive standing ovations, but Man Johnson rocked it with both of his numbers. Fearless on stage, he goes places that would make most performers blush. His Leather Daddy Subverted act was superb. His self-confidence and command of the audience made clear at the beginning made his total submission to an iconic Japanese chibi-cat all the more amazingly funny. His act (I will dub) ‘Love Sucks’ was so over the top and committed that our classmates joined in the uproarious laughter every time we saw it. SuPURRRRb, I bow before you sir!

Piston Chambers: You can’t help but love this incorrigible and precocious boi when (s)he busts out his signature, mischievous grin. His first number, which I like to call “It’s F*ck and Bake and I Helped” is a solid piece of burlesque comedy. High energy, and multi-layered this piece will never allow me to look at raw chicken the same way again! Piston’s “Drumline” act was daring, and fresh. It focused not on the strip tease but on the abandon of an artist truly loving what they do, the passion of which lead to the shedding of clothes. Piston always makes me really happy when he performs! Love you!

Summer Lovin: With grace and confidence, Summer Lovin dived head long into this nearly all boylesk group, and I believe made her Seattle debut in the process! Summer’s acts walked a fine line between classic and neo-burlesque. Her “Not in the Mood” act took an anti-glamour approach, and allowed her to focus on a very well played, back and forth tease with the audience. Her “Milk Maid” act likewise was a gift to the audience. Summer Lovin took stereotypical scenarios and turned them on their heads, in a fun and fresh way. I really look forward to seeing more of Summer and what she comes up with!

Rip Curl: Rip is a walking, talking, geek of a teddy bear and I love it! His ability to play a crowd is truly impressive. He asks the audience if they want him to ‘take it off’ and happily obliges when they enthusiastically say ‘Yes!’ His Firefly inspired dinosaur act is high energy, fun, and a definite crowd pleaser. His final reveal at the end made me SO happy and proud! His “Occupy” themed number was likewise popular. Channeling strength and determination, and more than a touch of outrage he both praised and chided unbridled protest. Very nice balance!

Sir Eddie Van Glam: I am particularly proud of the Rhinestone Stud, Sir Eddie Van Glam. Having had the opportunity to serve as friend and mentoring peer, I am truly thankful that he has continued in the art form and hope that he sticks with it for a long time! Van Glam’s first act was truly HOT. A very masculine take on a classic chair dance, Van Glam allowed himself to be sexy and stunned the audience with his strength and control. Later he ‘hammed’ it up with his celebrity crush act, implementing crisp and committed choreography and over the top, cartoon-character bravado. So good, Bud, I am immensely proud!

As a whole the show was amazing, and more than one person said it was one of the best recitals they’ve seen come out of AoB. With such talent as those artists above, and the expert guidance and unconditional support of our teacher, Waxie Moon, it is no wonder that this group rocked it!

I would personally like to say thank you to Waxie Moon for all of his work, and his amazing encouragement, to Miss Indigo Blue for her wonderfully frank feedback, to Ernie Von Schmaltz for an amazing job hosting, Solange Corbeau for being an awesome SM, Lisa for the AMAZING lights, Polly Wood for being her crazily dedicated self (Love you!), and to everyone else who made Saturday night possible.

To the community and amazing audience that showed up on Saturday night, we could not have done this with out you!  Thank you for allowing us to share our hard work, and for giving us the energy we needed to shine!

To my classmates, it was truly an honor and a privilege to work with you, and I sincerely hope that we do so again. Each of you posses fabulous talent, and dedication, and I will be endlessly thankful for the encouragement and support you showed me over this course.

Loves!

Fosse Jack

Fosse's Journal; Burlycon 2011, Thursday

And so Burlycon 2011 begins; or rather it did at noon-Ish today, Thursday October 20th, 2011. Like many good theatrical presentation on opening night it was not a perfect opening. With computer systems down, the staff scrambled to manual check people in. Attendees took it in stride however, and it didn’t take long to get the events rolling.


I had the opportunity to attend a lecture given by Jo “Boobs” Weldon. Her passion for the story and purpose behind the museum (and pageant) of the Burlesque Hall of Fame was an excellent mood setting for my initial Burlycon experience.

Afterwards I spent most of the afternoon working alongside burlesque composer and performer, EmpeROAR Fabulous!!! as one of the Con’s merchandise hawkers. It was fun watching people look over the tee-shirts and rhinestone encrusted tank-tops, and marvel at just how small a “women’s large” is nowadays. (I don’t blame them, those tees where pretty tiny!)

The evening would eventually lead to the “Vintage Meet & Greet,” a crowded get together in the Hospitality Suite. It was fun to see everyone together, but to be perfectly honest it was a bit overwhelming. After making my rounds, sampling a few of the delectable snacks provided by Zephyr Paquette, and trying in vain to remember any names I had tried to hear during introductions, I retired to the hotel lounge for a burger and martini with fellow performer (and Burlycon roommate) Ella Titsgerald.

My hunger sated I find myself drifting into a state of pseudo exhaustion; the sort of weariness that comes from working 10-days straight before diving into a fun but rather intense series of social events. So instead of attending the peer reviews this evening, I felt it would be better to actually decompress just a little and maybe, just maybe be well rested enough to make it through these next exciting days.

To any performers being reviewed tonight, I apologize for not support you. It is, I assure you, nothing personal… I’m simply beyond my capacity for the evening.

Dear Burlycon and all of my friends and compatriots attending this weekend, I am immensely pleased to share these days with you and I hope we make some very fond memories together.

Loves!

~ Fosse Jack

Fosse's Journal; Burlycon 2011, Friday

Day two of Burlycon draws to its close. Still the evening is not yet spent, for I will shortly leave the relative comfort of my hotel room and head out to the evening’s Peer Reviews. I am particularly excited for this.


Today I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the educational activities of the Con. I began my day an 8am with a workout and dance session with DANCEBELT members Ruby Mimosa and Inga Ingénue. The class was fun, and a good way to get going in the morning.



From there I went straight to the day’s history class. Scott Ewalt, a man who has been involved with burlesque since he was twenty and fresh faced in NYC, shared his passion for the art form and in this particular case for the male aspects of burlesque. I didn’t realize that the male side of the art form had such a rich history, dating back to the 1890s and Henry Dixie! Scott’s slideshows and his intimate knowledge of the subject were intoxicating, and immensely challenging. I could have sat there for hours more, and I have MUCH more to do.

After a shower, and a light breakfast would be a PANEL on Touring Shows (very informative) and a class taught by Miss Rosie Bits (gosh, she is just adorable!) about Getting Sponsorships (very encouraging!), followed by a bit more time helping out the Burlycon staff at Merch.

The Keynote address, attended by a large portion of those at the convention brought Indigo Blue, Scott Ewalt, Miss Astrid and living legend Ellion Ness. There were moments of tender remembrance for those performers who have been lost recently, and a great deal of encouragement given to those in the hall. Ellion was particularly touching as she got all flustered with joy. It is so amazing to me to see the legends that are still with us. Our fore-mothers and such, those who have helped to truly define the burlesque art form.

Tack on a VERY crowded class photo, and a fun and rather raucous parade to the pool (through some very confused hotel patrons), and you have the bulk of day two. The crowds would slowly make their way up to the canteen on the pent house floor and soon after begin to disperse. Very shortly now some will gather to review colleague’s performances and act in progress, and I am very much excited for this.

Well friends, I’m off. I fully intend to end up at Denny’s tonight so I will think of you when I am killing myself with chicken fried steak. :-P

Loves!

~ Fosse Jack

Fosse's Journal; Burlycon 2011, Saturday

It is Saturday night and in the room above the bulk of the Burlycon attendees prepare for the evening festivity, the Neon Party. I find myself inclined to spend my evening in the hotel lounge, my netbook in my lap and spending some time in reflection. It’s not that I don’t like a good party, but I am fairly certain that the combination of neon-clad burlesquers and thumping dance music may be more than my sensually saturated psyche. ;-P


Today began with an excellent class by Waxie Moon. The exercises he showed us were simple acting tools about physical energy points and ways to ground ourselves. I have used similar exercises in acting before, but it was great to put them to work as a burlesquer. In fact I think these exercises an even more useful in non-verbal performance like strip tease. In any case, it was a lot of fun and an excellent refresher course.

From Waxie’s class I moved into the vastly crowded session with Kate Valentine AKA Miss Astrid. In a jam packed room we got to here from one of the movement’s best emcees. She echoed various sentiments that I have actually developed, which was encouraging. She did so in a fantastically matter of fact, and witty fashion. Just listening to her teach I can see why she is such an excellent emcee. She knows her job, does her job, and is not afraid to speak her mind, and all the while she is the model of professionalism.

From Miss Astrid’s class I moved back to the Burlycon merch table where I proceeded to struggle against insetting lethargy, while chatting with Ruby Mimosa, J Von Stratton and other vendors. It was an entertaining afternoon, if a bit slow.

I got to visit my favorite ladies, Sinner Saint Burlesque at hospitality with Lady Tatas made me feel terribly naughty by giving the Eucharist in her sexy-Madonna, Mother of God, outfit. There may have been some shirtless time among a handful of the boy-lesk boys, instigated by David Bishop (the Bishop of Burlesque), and maybe some naughty pics with a bunch of “Virgin Marys.”

Lydia McLane’s class on book keeping was extremely informative and made me realize just how disorganized I am as a business person. I got to know Lydia a bit more as we worked together on blowing up balloons for tonight’s party. Finally I stopped into peer reviews and caught a few acts before my need for supper drove me to Jack in the Box.

All in all the day has been excellent. I am tired, but in a good way. Tomorrow I will wake up early to catch Dancebelt’s next class and then it on to class and some final work time at the merch table. I look forward to posting my “journal” entries when I get home tomorrow, but even more, I am excited to spend just a little more time with the friends I’ve made these past few days.

Loves!

~ Fosse Jack

Upcoming Shows: Sinner Saint Burlesque

My name is Jim and I’m a Furry.

You might say that the first step in exploring your kinks is to admit you have them. I’m gonna admit the hell out of mine!

I’m a Furry. I use words like yiff, yiffy, scritch, pounce, paw and furpile. I have a fursona, a fictional incarnation of my inner critter. His name is Ash, and he’s a Vulpine. I think Anthros are sexy. When gene-tech is advanced enough I am seriously considering getting a tail, an upswept little number that matches my hair… the verdict is still out on the sheath… that’s a bit more ‘re-constructive’ than I’m ready to tackle.

Anyways, do you get it? Do you understand what a Furry is? Do they scare you? Well they shouldn’t because we aren’t scary. We’re a friendly bunch, and for the most part are yiffers not fighters.

If you understand my kink, you’ll better understand my excitement as I recommend Sinner Saint Burlesque’s next show: ANIMALIA!

SSB first performed the show about a year and a half-ago and my boyfriend and I went to see it (Qevin’s a total Furry too). We loved it. Seeing some of my favorite ladies rocking fur, feathers, scales and what have you, will be something I will always remember, and my tail is wagging furiously at the thought of seeing this show again.

From Jesse Belle-Jones’ purr-worthy, puma, to Lady TaTas delightfully goofy flamingo, and Polly Wood’s adorable fruit bat, to Dona de Couri’s own take on history, and Evilyn Sinclaire’s celebrity impersonation, it’s gonna be a yifftastic furpile of burlesque babes!

What’s even cooler is that, according to my intel, Flirty Sanchez is hosting this run. If you haven’t seen Flirty host, you should! She is amazing and I am really looking forward to seeing what she comes up with. Will she rock an inner critter? I hope so, cause I want to see what hers is! I’m thinking Coyote, personally but we shall see!

So ladies and gentlemen, friends and lovers, I do hope you get to see Sinner Saint Burlesque Present ANIMALIA! It opens this Thursday night, 9:30pm and will run for several weeks at The Noc Noc, Downtown. (Tixs are $15 at the Door.)

Scritches!

Fosse Jack

Upcoming Shows: rePRODUTION!

As you know this has been a chaotic year of hesitant steps forward (DADT) and racous slides backward (just about everything else Congress has pulled).  Now in the "American spirit" of rebellious-getting things done-ness, a local powerhouse team of producers: Heidi VonHaught, Randi Rascal and Wiggy Stardust are producing a burlesque benefit for Washington's NARAL Pro-Choice, the state's leading pro-choice advocacy group.

This evening of burlesque and raunchy political satire is in response to recent infringements upon the sexual and reproductive freedoms made by legislaters this past year.  Specifically: the legal redefinition of rape and incest; changes in legislation that encourage violence against abortion providers and allow for misinformation regarding birth control options; and attempts to strip health care providers such as Planned Parenthood of their funding.

The line-up is as diverse as it is talented. Bella Bijoux, Evilyn Sin Claire, Heidi Von Haught, Iva Handful, Jenny Penny, Randic Rascal, The Shanghai Pearl, Wiggy Stardust and Reigning Queen of Burlesque 2011, Miss Indigo Blue are the ladies that will be heling you stay a "breast" of current events, politics and reproductive controversies.  Tiny Reedlet's Sexy Puppet Parade will be there (puppet sex!).  And representing the men will be Sylvester Stiffbreeze and the incomparable ladies' man, the myth, the mustache Mr. Ernie Von Schmaltz.

Wow, there are some hot, hot, hotties in this lineup! From the only woman ever to make me want to sit back on my haunches and beg for a treat, to the glam-rock wet dream goddess, to My Leige and Lady?  Yikes.  Gosh, not to mention Sylvester (ladies' I'm envious), and Ernie (I bow before you sir!); this is going to be a crazy show.

And like I said it is for a great cause.  Defending freedom its Seattle Burlesque!

From the makers of That F*cked Up, comes rePRODUCTION! and it is coming up soon, this Friday, August 19th at Theatre off Jackson (ToJ is the place to be this weekend).  The show starts at 8:00pm.  Tickets available at http://www.brownpaperticke​ts.com/event/190010

Loves!

~ Fosse Jack

  

Upcoming Shows: Under Construction

Next Saturday night, at Theatre off Jackson, Discontinued Trim Productions presents a new show that brings together some of Seattle’s hottest fresh faces and established entertainers. This show, called Under Construction, is a mix of burlesque, aerial performance, Bollywood dance (seriously y’all!) and more. As its name implies the show is about performers building, renovating and remodeling themselves. It should be pretty awesome.

Producer and performer, Iva Handfull is the sensuous smarts behind the show, and I am supper excited to see her bring together these artists.  Tamara the Trapeze Lady, Pinky Shines, and Elsa Von Schmaltz represents some Seattle’s sexiest senoras, while Lotti Glitterati, Solange Corbeau and Sir Eddie Van Glam are some of the young guns just starting to make some noise on the scene.

Other performers include: Host Rebecca M. Davis, Nikolai Pirak (he’s one sexy juggler!), and Rebella Revolver. Hottie McNaughty, Foxglove, Renten, Vanadium Silver and Peter McCarthy will also be making appearances.

And if a bunch of superheated mammas, glittery girlies, and hunky boy toys all showcasing their tantalizing talents is enough to get you out to ToJ, then consider the veritable cornucopia of rhinestoned goodies you could shop for! Haute Under the Collar, TwirlyGirl, The Epic Bath and Kelly Brownlee Illustrations will all be vending at this event!

Again, Theater Off Jackson, Saturday August 20th 8pm-10pm show (doors at 7pm). Get you tickets early at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/188971 or just hit the ticket booth on your way in!

Loves!

~ Fosse Jack

Ask Fosse Jack: Burlesque Etiquette

Dear Fosse Jack,

Last night I went to a great burlesque show in Seattle. The performers were working really hard and were really sexy! But it was really hard for me to enjoy the show because the audience was so rude! There were like four parties going on and they wouldn’t stop talking. One large group came in late, made a lot of noise and walked out early. Is there anything you can say to burlesque audiences in Seattle to get them to exhibit some form of common courtesy?

Sincerely,

Disappointed In Seattle Spectators' Egregious Disrespect

Dear DISSED,

I agree whole heartedly. There is nothing more disappointing than a good show being hijacked by bad audiences. That being said, I want to assure you that your experience while more common than it should be, is not the Seattle norm. For the most part, Seattle audiences, while more casual and listless than other cities’ theatre going crowds, are relatively polite. They may be hard to get vocally excited, but they appreciate the work performers do on an internal level.

As to your request, I do have some things to tell the average audience member, here in Seattle. The first is a reminder, courtesy of Firefly's Shepherd Book, that there is a very special level of hell, “A level they reserve for child molesters and people who talk at the theater.” Remember Jesus is in the room with you, and he doesn’t like it when your antics distract him from the hot girls and boys taking their clothes off on stage.

This brings me to a comparison. Burlesque is just like any other form of theatrical performance. Yes we take off our clothes. You might talk and be rude to the hard working boys and girls that work at “strip joints” but you are not in a strip joint. You are in a theatrical venue. It may not be as grand as the opera, or the ballet, but it is a theatrical performance none the less. Burlesque performers work hard to produce the product you buy. And just like buying a meal in a restaurant doesn’t give you the right to be ass-holes to your servers, buying a ticket to a show doesn’t give you the right to be douche bags either.

My advice to the aspiring burlesque spectator is to behave like you would in your crazy aunt’s Pentacostal church. Sit or stand when appropriate. Cheer (hell, say amen) loudly when the spectacle evokes it. I would avoid speaking in tongues, most Seattle-ites frown on that, but if the spirit moves you, show your appreciation raucously. Don’t chat with your neighbor, girlfriend, etc when the one up front is talking, singing, telling a humorous anecdote or taking off their clothes. It is rude, and you will, eventually, burn for it.

I hope this helps DISSED, and do feel free to show this to your friends and anyone you feel like taking with you the next time you go to one of Seattle’s glittering plethora of burlesque performances.

Loves!

~ Fosse Jack

Do you have a question for Fosse Jack? Feel free to e-mail them to fossejack@gmail.com