Take note: This is not a country-and-western burlesque show, despite the fact that it's featuring a Texan and is called Boot Flask Follies. "We're making lemonade out of lemons," says Von Vett. "We're playing off the whole thing that the city still doesn't have their liquor license at the Crossroads. So it's in keeping with the whole Prohibition era/speakeasy theme.
"I can't tell people to bring their own alcohol, but figure it out," Von Vett adds. (Pay attention to the show title, people.) There are two bars near the Crossroads where you can procure alcohol before and after the show, and during intermission, as well.
The one-weekend-only show, which kicks off tonight and runs through Saturday, will also feature Denver burlesque sweetheart Vivienne VaVoom. "I'll be singing some speakeasy jazz-era songs," Von Vett says, "and we also have La Petite Mort, who's been around town for quite a while, and Annabella La Fontaine...it's going to be an exciting vintage step-back-in-time."
And what about Miss Lectric?
"She's one of the people who stands out in the show," Von Vett says. "You always know she's coming on, because the crowd goes crazy. She was in New Orleans a couple of weeks ago, doing a show with Dita Von Teese, and Dita hand-picks the people she'll perform with. So for Coco to be included in this show is a really big deal.
"She's pretty incredible. She sings as well, so she's bringing three or four different numbers that she's going to do. She sings 'Hernando's Hideaway,' and she has what she calls her 'big red boa number', which is the number she did with Dita Von Teese."
Here's the exciting part: "We're having classes at the Crossroads," Von Vett reveals. "Coco is teaching three classes Saturday afternoon." There will be a stocking-and-garter class at 2 p.m., a boa class at 3 and a jazz technique class at 4 -- but you can get into all three classes for $30, which is an unheard-of deal. "She's in charge of the Austin School of Burlesque, and Texas is cranking out some really good burlesque dancers. She's pretty great, she's always featured in all sorts of stuff -- and she looks like a pinup."
Let's see that photo again, just to make sure:
Okay. Definitely pinup material.
The show opens tonight at 8 p.m. at the Crossroads Theater, 2590 Washington Street. in Denver. Tickets are $10 pre-sale at www.burlycute.com and $15 at the door. There's a garage that offers free parking right behind the theater, or you can take the Light Rail to 27th and Welton, which stops right in front of the Crossroads.
