Gypsy Rose Lee; possibly the most famous burlesque performer in history. Beautiful, talented, and native to our very own Emerald City. January 8th, 2011, will be her 100th birthday, and it’s no surprise that the Seattle burlesque community will celebrate with a show at the Triple Door like none you have ever seen. The woman behind this show, Paula the Swedish Housewife, needs no introduction, but deserves a grand one nonetheless. She has gone from performer to producer with brilliant acts and unforgettable shows like House of Thee Unholy and Everything but the Kitchen Sink.

In honor of Gypsy Rose, the Swedish Housewife has put together the burlesque equivalent of an all-star lineup. The night will be hosted by Miss Astrid, one of the best MCs I’ve ever seen. Just don’t interrupt her, or she’ll send you a glare that can kill at twenty paces. Performing will be two time Miss Exotic World title winner Catherine D’Lish, Legend of Burlesque Joan Arline, Lily Verlaine, The Swedish Housewife, and Miss Inga Ingénue. Each of these lovely ladies has put together a brand new act (or perhaps more than one, we can only hope!) in tribute to Gypsy Rose.

What will the acts be? You’ll have to go see the show, because I’m not telling! I will, however, let slip that all the show’s music will be performed live under the direction of Michael Musburger. In keeping with the theme of the evening, expect classy tunes from the 1930s-1950s. As The Swedish Housewife is fond of saying: burlesque is always better with live music.

Just in case a night of burlesque isn’t quite enough, there will also be a video presentation by Deirdre Timmons on the life of Gypsy Rose. Ms. Timmons is the creative (and perhaps a little twisted) mind behind A Wink and a Smile; a film documenting the journey of ten women through Indigo Blue’s Academy of Burlesque. If her previous work is anything to go on, then this new film will be something to behold.

Finally, as icing on an incredibly sexy cake, actress Sarah Rundinoff will read passages from Karen Abbott’s new book American Rose: A Nation Laid Bare: The Life and Times of Gypsy Rose Lee. Published by Random House, American Rose will be available for sale by Elliot Bay Books at the Triple Door on performance night.

This is a one night only show. January 8th, 2011, 8:00pm at the Triple Door. Tickets are $20 in advance and are available here. Be sure to get one while they are still to be had!

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