Candy Gram: Maria May I

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 Tanya Cheex a line at t.cheex AT gmail DOT com. Today, say hello Maria May I.

What is your hometown?
I have never lived in one state longer than 5 years, so my hometown is hard to determine. I guess I will say Wisconsin, because that is where most of my family is.

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
I am actually very new to burlesque. I started becoming interested in Jan. 2009 and did my first performance the last week of Feb. 2009.

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
Well over 30 pairs

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
Car Wash, Got My Mojo Workin', and Boogie Shoes.

What are three items could you not live without as a performer?
Pastie Tape, Hairspray, and Shiny stuff.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
Red Hot Annie. She is such an amazing enterpenuer, so sucessful, and yet humble at the same time.

Who is your favorite burly queen?
I have really taken a liking to Ivy Paige. She's quriky, and funny, entertaining to watch.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
Can I say Hat? I love hats, I would walk around in my birthday suit, and just be comfortable wearing a hat.

What’s the last movie you saw?
I'm addicted to horror movies, one of my favs is The Shining so I just had a fix of it last night.

What’s on your must-see-TV list?
Re-runs of The Wonder Years and That '70s Show. I also like to watch House, Law & Order or anything on Nick at Nite.

What book is on your nightstand?
I hate to admit, I don't read books nearly as much as I should. I have a stack of fashion magazines as high as my ceiling. I am a freelance fashion designer, so I have to be on the up andup.

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
I know it is lame but I would go to Wisconsin. I have a huge family and we are all really close, I don't get to spend nearly enough time with them.

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want?
Why? Hmmm.... flying! I flippin hate driving, and the CTA, so if I could fly, that would be fantastic!

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: La Cholita, Gentry de Paris, Jade Pearl, Kitten DeVille, Miss C, Immodesty Blaize, Nasty Canasta, Vivienne Vermuth, Scarlett James, Tura Santana, Tatah DuJour, Susie Caboose, Gigi La Femme, Kitten on the Keys, Virginia D'Vine, Tamara the Trapeze Lady, Champagne Sparkles, Selia Carmichael, Pyra Sutra, Roxi Dlite, Scarlet O'Gasm, Bombshell Betty, Foxy Moxy, Bambi Galore, Mis Rosie Bitts, Sahara Dunes, Mimi Rockafellar, Baby Le Strange, Rose Darling, Satan's Angel, Ophelia Flame, Panache La Plume, Ginger Valentine, Madame Rosebud, Little Brooklyn, 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.