The Candy Gram: Little Brooklyn

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 Little Brooklyn.

What is your hometown?
Born and bred Brooklyn, U.S.A.

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
When I was five years old I would put on puppet shows in the backyard and charge the neighborhood kids a nickel to come see the puppets dance and take off their clothes.

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
I have a "pastie drawer" if that tells you anything. I don’t have a drawer for things like tax papers and receipts, but pasties are stored away nice and safe.

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
Hucklebuck by Calvin Owens
Mini the Moocher by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Wake Up and Breathe by Richard Simmons

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
Glitter. My bed feels like the beach from all the glitter. I love the stuff.
A roomy gig bag with a small footprint and sturdy wheels.
My girls backstage – especially Creamy Stevens.
Is that last one even considered an item? Probably not, but it’s definitely something I can not live without as a performer.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
The original inspirations that peeked my interested in burlesque & vaudeville started when I was a kid. I would watch The Muppet Show and envy Kermit for having his own theater. I’d sit entranced by those episodes of the Little Rascals where the gang decides to "put on a show!” Tex Avery had me titillated early Saturday mornings, with strip teasing shoes, a-peeling lizards and other blatant burlesque references. Benny Hill, Lucille Ball, Pee Wee Herman, MGM, the list goes on.

Who is your favorite burly queen?
Gee, that’s like asking me what my favorite flavor ice cream is. Why pick just one?
I love Jenny Lee and Dixie Evans for keeping the fire burning. Satan’s Angel for ripping the roof off the joint like a rock star each and every time. Viva La Fever for her strength, sense of adventure and business smarts. If you want to see how hard this question is to answer, come to the Exotic World Pageant and watch the Friday night legends showcase.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
A good wrap dress....easy on, easy off!

What's the last movie you saw?
The Forbidden Zone. I am not sure how I went this long without seeing it, as it seems to be pretty close to what goes on in my brain.

What's on your must-see-TV list?
As with most live performance aficionados, I am not much of a TV gal.

What book is on your nightstand?
Honey... I don’t read in the bedroom.

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
Chuck E. Cheese ball pit.

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
Telekinetic powers, like Scott Baio in Zapped!

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Victoria Veneance, Sauci Calla Horra, Penny Starr Jr., Gemma Parker, Darla DeVine, Sparkly Devil, Vivienne VaVoom, Lux LaCroix, Charlotte La Belle Araignee, Bunny Love, Amber Topaz, Amelie Soleil, Red Hot Annie, HoneyLu, 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.