Product Review

DIRTY MARTINI AND THE NEW BURLESQUE, a feature-length, documentary film by Gary Beeber explores the outrageous world of the performers who created the "new burlesque" scene in New York City. Get to know Miss Dirty Martini and her friends Julie Atlas Muz, World-Famous *BOB*, Bambi the Mermaid, Tigger!, Scotty the Blue Bunny, and many other cult stars. The movie's seductiveness comes from its sexy acts as well as its dark exploration of the performers' struggle to pay their bills, quest for stable love relationships and inability to envision the future after burlesque. The relationship between sex work, burlesque and feminism are discussed. As a classically trained dancer, Dirty Martini has struggled since childhood to overcome criticism of her size. Like Bette Midler, she began her career as part of the downtown drag scene where she was accepted for her talent. She went on to develop her act in the East Village drag clubs where the gay community appreciated her glamour and kitsch. Over time Dirty has gained international recognition for her brilliant performances, costumes and persona. Currently she tours internationally, bringing the American artform of the tease to masses of people who view the show, get excited by it and eventually join in the fun. She is an ambassador of freedom, and an international burlesque star. Julie Atlas Muz, "Miss Exotic World" 2006 and Angie Pontani, "Miss Exotic World" 2008 and Tigger!, the first ever "Mr. Exotic World" are extensively interviewed. Vintage footage of legendary burlesque influences such as Tura Satana, Lili St Cyr, Dixie Evans, Sally Rand and Dee Milo are shown performing the sexy acts they originally created, and are contrasted with Dirty Martini's updated versions of these classics. The "new burlesque," is not a fad and is much more than just vintage nudie cuties brought to life. It is performance art, modern dance, and political satire. It is the new punk rock. DON'T MISS IT!