To celebrate the 100th birthday of perhaps the most iconic burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee, the New York Public Library has planned an event that is sure to be spectacular.
Karen Abbott, author of the acclaimed biography American Rose, A Nation Laid Bare: The Life and Times of Gypsy Rose Lee, in conversation with Paul Holdengräber, Director of LIVE at the New York Public Library will be holding a conversation about the life and times of the beloved performer, including dramatic readings of a few of Gypsy’s unpublished letters from the NYPL archives.
But that’s not definitely all!
Headmistress Jo “Boobs” Weldon will be given a performance guaranteed to be a smash. She is set to perform a burlesque tribute to Gypsy. Miss Tickle (three-time “Burlesque Hall of Fame” Trophy Winner in 2010) will even be making a grand entrance by jumping out of a cake in a true “Happy Birthday!”
Other scheduled performers include burlesque legend Bambi Jones, The Rhinestone Follies, burlesque musician and historian Albert Garzon, “King of Boylesque” Tigger, and “Burlesque Mayor of NYC” Jonny Porkpie.
Gypsy Rose Lee is world famous as a novelist, playwright, New Yorker essayist, fashion icon, actress, activist, and member of New York’s literati. Her legacy as a performer makes her a beloved icon, and has even continued after her death in 1970.
OPENING NIGHT
GYPSY ROSE LEE: AN AMERICAN ICON LAID BARE
A Centennial Celebration with Karen Abbott, Jo “Boobs” Weldon, Miss Tickle & Others
Saturday, January 8th at 7:00 p.m.
Celeste Bartos Forum, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
$25 General Admission
$15 FRIENDS, Seniors & Students with valid ID
Photo from The New York Public Library.
