Last Valentine’s Day, Tasha Zarr performed her first burlesque act for an audience at Spiritbar.
The 29-year-old knew instantly it was what she was meant to be doing and got to work producing her own show, which debuts this Saturday on the same stage she started out on.
“I wanted a new creative outlet, and I knew I liked entertaining people,” says Zarr, who goes by the stage name Dirty Mitts Mama. “I discovered being on stage in pretty costumes was exactly what I needed.”
She’s pulled together a six piece brass band and nine other girls to perform in the show, and got some local pros to help out with makeup and costumes.
All the girls created their own solo skits and worked together on a few group numbers. Zarr will be singing and dancing in the show, as well as performing a strip tease or two.
“We’re doing the classy, old-timey style of burlesque that’s kind of like a variety show — there’s elements of theatre and circus acts.” Zarr says. “It’s a lot of fun to watch.”
The Dirty Mitts Mama burlesque show is Saturday, July 6 at Spiritbar. This is an early show, with doors opening at 8 p.m. and entertainment starting at 9 p.m. sharp. Tickets are $15, available at the door or in advance at the Hume Hotel or John Ward Coffee.