WORCESTER—Worcester is about to get a little louder—and a lot more playful. On Sunday, March 23, Helle’s Belles: A Classic Rock Burlesque hits the stage at Rascals, featuring an electrifying lineup of performers, including Mia Culpa, Ama Divine, Gin-Ni Gelato, Ms. Intents, Kinkomatic 3000, Jynx Merlot, Rocco Rosé, and co-producer Dolores Sweet.
Organizers Sweet and Culpa met last year performing burlesque at Harley’s Funhouse, the monthly drag and burlesque open stage at Ralph’s Rock Diner, produced by Harley Queen. They clicked and have been friends ever since, and wanted to bring more burlesque to Central Massachusetts, and to Worcester in particular.
This will be Sweet and Culpa’s second time bringing burlesque to Rascals. Last November, they debuted a country-themed show tailored to the venue’s line-dancing crowd. This time, they’re cranking up the amps.
“We wanted to tap into their live music fans and produce a classic rock-themed show,” Sweet told the Worcester Guardian. “It brings together performers with backgrounds in dance, circus, pole, and music—set to your favorite classic rock of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s.”
Burlesque, often misunderstood by those unfamiliar with the art form, is more than just sultry performances. Sweet describes it as “the art of the tease” but emphasizes that it can also be funny, unexpected, and full of personality.
“People loved the diversity of acts at our last show,” she said. “Some were pleasantly surprised to find themselves laughing a lot. Yes, burlesque is ultimately about teasing, but it doesn’t have to be serious and sultry. Every performer interprets the theme in their own way.”
The event is open to anyone 18 and over, and Sweet and Culpa hope to continue bringing more themed burlesque shows to Worcester.
“We aim to create an inclusive space where everyone is free to express themselves in whatever manner feels most true to them,” Sweet said.
The show kicks off at 6 p.m., with tickets priced at $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
Editor Charlene Arsenault can be reached at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
