Workin’ the Tease: MICA kicks off upcoming exhibition with fundraiser at Area 405
It goes without saying that most college classes could put a cup of coffee to sleep. But leave it to MICA to come up with a class that will keep all of Baltimore’s eyes wide open.
Workin’ the Tease: The Art of Baltimore Burlesque explores the significance of Burlesque in Baltimore’s history, from the bawdy house theaters on ‘The Block‘ to the recent Neo-Burlesque revival. Curated by MICA’s Exhibition Development Seminar and taught by faculty member Jeffry Cudlin, the class and upcoming exhibition will feature contemporary and historical artifacts presented in conjunction with a night of burlesque on the Lyric Opera Stage.
Workin’ the Tease includes a rare look at the original Globe promotional posters; calling cards that were used to advertise events; vintage costumes, and one-of-a-kind performance materials from household names in Baltimore burlesque. The extensive display will also feature Baltimore photographer, Sean Scheidt’s fascinating Burlesque series, with new photographs of the participating performers.
The exhibit opens at the Lyric Opera House on April 22, 2014 and runs until May 7. Gallery hours will be determined sometime in April.
The opening night stage show – titled “Best of Baltimore”– will feature performances by Mob Town ex-pats Trixie Little, Mr. Gorgeous and Paco Fish, along with local favorites Maria Bella, Kay Sera, Sunny Sighed with Bal’d Lightning, Valeria Voxx, Hot ‘n Bothered, and many more.
For those who would like to get a peek at the upcoming show – and in the process support this iconic effort – MICA students are hosting a fundraiser at Area 405 this Saturday, March 1, from 7pm-10pm. The fundraiser will feature performances by Mourna Handful, Chèrie Nuit, Tapitha Kix, Hot ‘n Bothered and Sunny Sighed with Bal’d Lightning. This gala event will be femceed by popular burlesquer Shortstaxx. There will also be a dinner, a themed bar, and an auction of burlesque related items, including some of Sean Scheidt’s Burlesque prints.
Area 405 is located at 405 East Oliver St, Baltimore, MD 21202. Tickets for the fundraiser are $25 and may be purchased online. More information about Workin’ the Tease can be found on the Tease website and on Facebook.
Anthony C. Hayes is an actor, author, raconteur, rapscallion and bon vivant. A one-time newsboy for the Evening Sun and professional presence at the Washington Herald, Tony’s poetry, photography, humor, and prose have also been featured in Smile, Hon, You’re in Baltimore!, Destination Maryland, Magic Octopus Magazine, Los Angeles Post-Examiner, Voice of Baltimore, SmartCEO, Alvarez Fiction, and Tales of Blood and Roses. If you notice that his work has been purloined, please let him know. As the Good Book says, “Thou shalt not steal.”