Rev. Spooky LeStrange
Hometown: New Orleans, by way of Raywood, Texas
Just in time for the November elections (as well as the fest), the Crescent City's Reverend Spooky LeStrange hits town with one of her radical, current-events inspired performances that promises to be modern, fun and possibly controversial. The dancer of nine years, who got her start as a sound girl, has organized shows dealing with banned books (she did a number inspired by "Origin of Species"), politics (she's danced a "say no to Bush" piece to "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" by the Andrews Sisters) and religion.
Not that the Voodoo-practicing, ordained reverend doesn't pull out her fair share of Elvis-inspired numbers when she's not dancing in front of a video projector juxtaposing images of the Hurricane Katrina set to XTC's "Dear God." "I try to include an intense passion for performing and a deep love of New Orleans history and culture in every show I do," she tells Metromix. "I've been told it's hard to pigeonhole my performances because I combine classic moves and aesthetics with a modern look. A lot of people can't see past my enormous back tattoo."
Website: http://myspace.com/billiondollarbabydolls
Burlesque Festival appearance: Sunday, Sept. 21, at The Early Bird Dinner & Golden Pastie Awards at SOB's
Next NYC performance (after Fest): Twice a year she makes it out to NYC and the Coney Island Sideshow in Brooklyn. Keep checking www.myspace.com/billiondollarbabydolls and www.reverendspookylestrange.com
