Boot Scootin’ Burlesque Debuts in Worcester

{ Dolores Sweet }

WHAT DOES WORCESTER need more of? The people have spoken, and the people say: burlesque.

So when central Massachusetts natives and burlesque performers Mia Culpa and Dolores Sweet met at Ralph’s, it was only a matter of time before they began talks of producing their own show in Worcester. That’s how Boot Scootin’ Burlesque was born.

          The show takes place on November 17th at 6:00pm at Rascals on 70 James Street. Rascals is best known for its line dancing and live rock bands (and occasional all-male revue), but burlesque has never previously made it to the Rascals stage, until now.

Burlesque is a longstanding theatrical tradition of the art of the tease–but it can be interpreted in a variety of ways by each performer. As long as there is some clothing removal, anything goes, says the producers. “It can be sexy, it can be hilarious–totally ridiculous or salacious,” says Mia Culpa.

          Due to Rascals’s notoriety as a country line dance bar, the producers chose a country-western theme for the first show there. This revue’s aim is to get you to think of country music in a way you may not have before–whether it’s poking fun at pop country or turning classic country into a sexy striptease. The performers never take it all off, however, making this 18+ show more about self-expression and dazzling costuming.

          “Worcester is a welcoming city for people of all backgrounds, and we wanted to showcase that through the performers we chose,” said Dolores Sweet. While all performers live in the New England area, they all come from different backgrounds and have a variety of gender presentations. “You’ll see classic showgirl performers and you’ll also see drag kings. There’s a space for everyone.”

Producer Dolores Sweet only has a year of burlesque performances under her belt, but her credits already include a win at Lucky 13 Ameteur Burlesque Competition in Boston and two roles in this year’s Slutcracker at the Somerville Theatre. This is her first time producing a show, and is grateful for the guidance of her co-producer, Mia Culpa.

          Mia is a Central Massachusetts native, and has been performing drag and burlesque for nearly two years. She has also been playing music and singing for as long as she can remember, and when she’s not performing solo, she can be found in and around the Boston area with her spooky rock band: Your Friends In Hell. Mia only recently discovered her passion for producing shows, and she is delighted to be working with Dolores to bring more drag and burlesque to Worcester.

Audience members are in for a treat with eight solo or duo acts as well as a group number, all falling within the country theme. Along with performances by the two producers, they hand-selected six other performers for the show, including born and raised Worcester queen, historian, and educator, Lady LaRouge. Other performers include the likes of Providence drag kings Darren Tashine and Gwenitalia. Worcester native/Providence transplant Lopez La Lopez, founder of Rhody Q, an organization dedicated to burlesque network and history, also brings her prowess to the Rascals stage. Midnight Rain comes from Connecticut and captivates audiences with her voluptuous body and charming smile. An aerialist and contortionist, Vivi Thorne can usually be found performing on the north shore.

Advanced tickets can be purchased for $15 at rascalsworcester.com, or $20 at the door. For those looking for the best possible experience, a limited number of VIP tickets are available for $35 and include guaranteed front section seating as well as a gift bag that includes jewelry handmade by Dolores Sweet and a voucher for free line dance lessons at Rascals. This is a show you don’t want to miss!