Friday, April 11, 2008

The Candy Gram: HoneyLulu

In our ongoing Q&A series --"The Candy Gram"-- we ask the same quirky questions of burlesque's various performers. If you want to be added to the mix, drop us a line at kellydinardo AT gmail DOT com. Today, say hello to New York's HoneyLulu.

What is your hometown?
I was born in Italy, but London is what I call home. I have been here for over 10 years.

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
My background is in photography and as a young photographer I used to take lots of self portraits and was interested in the relationship between photography and performance. At the same time I was interested in alternative and retro culture and the progression into burlesque became natural. When I first saw the film Gilda a few years ago, seeing Rita Hayworth taking off her gloves in such a sexy way, made want to be a burlesque performer.

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
About 15, but I don't use all of them. I just can't bring myself to give them away. I get sparkly pasties specially made for each of my acts, in different shapes. I have umbrellas, teapots, perfume bottles etc.

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
Sway -- one of my favorite songs ever
Night Train
St Louis Blues

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
Red lipstick, spirit gum, my smile.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
Jo King as she is such a positive and inspiring person, besides being a great performer, and my talented collaborators who help me with costumes and props.

Who is your favorite burly queen?
I don't have one in particular, there are many performers past and present I admire: Lili St Cyr, Satan's Angel, Dirty Martini, Immodesty Blaize, Sally Rand, Dixie Evans, Tempest Storm, Jo Boobs, Blaze Starr, Jo King, to name but a few

What is your favorite item of clothing?
I just bought a fabulous 1950's sequined showgirl dress, so that's my favorite at the moment.

What's the last movie you saw?
No Country For Old Men at the cinema.

What's on your must-see-TV list?
I don't have much time for TV, but I'm a Sex and the City addict, I still watch repeats if they're on; Curb your Enthusiasm, it's hilarious and sometimes painful to watch, but I love it!

What book is on your nightstand?
Vile Bodies by Evelyn Waugh, written in the 1920s, a very witty read. I'm also reading Candy Girl by Diablo Cody, about her life as a stripper; it's hard to put down, I really recommend it.

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
I love traveling. I would love to go on a Trans-Syberian railway trip.

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
Teletransportation! Imagine all the time one could save without having to travel from one place to the other: no buses, trains, taxis. No heavy suitcases stuffed with costumes to carry, and free world travel!

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Kimberlee Rose, Vicky Butterfly, Dominique Immora, Yasmine Vine, Cherry Bomb, Millie Dollar, Joanie Gyoza, Bonbon Vivant, Lola Martinet, Frankie Boudoir, Vixen Violette, Ravenna Black, Veronica Lashe, Amber Ray, Beatrix von Bourbon, Angie Pontani, Tanya Cheex, Bloody Belle, Clams Casino, Trixie Little, Michelle L'Amour, Margaret Cho, Miss Dirty Martini, Princess Farhana, Miss Delirium Tremens, Paris Green, Jo Boobs, Jack Midnight, Heidi Von Haught, Diamond Minx, The Titillation Twins, Scratch, Creamy Stevens and Gina Louise.

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