At Wasabassco's 7th Anniversary Extravaganza at The Bell House last month, gorgeous Hazel Honeysuckle came onstage as a pristinely dressed Holly Golightly type and got her kit off to an operatic version of Ice Ice Baby. In addition to perfect poise and a doll face, Miss H is also in possession of the nerd factor, which is common amongst the most intriguing burlesque performers. Naked nerds? I hear you ask. Sure as hellfire, it's not all about the nudity.
JNU: How long have you been in Burlesque?
HH: I started in December of 2009.
JNU: How did you get started in Burlesque?
HH: After seeing a couple shows and one night of the New York Burlesque Festival, I realized that burlesque combined two of my favorite things: dressing up and do-it-yourself crafting! I took a class at the New York School of Burlesque. Calamity Chang discovered me at the student showcase and booked me for one of her shows. After that, I was hooked.
JNU: What did you do before that?
HH: Oh, I still have my day job in an office, as a graphic designer. It's my "Daily Planet." Someday soon, hopefully, I'll be able to move down to part-time. I need more time to make costumes and practice!
JNU: What or who are your biggest inspirations and how do they translate into your act?
HH: Jo Weldon, Calamity Chang, and Gal Friday. All of these women exude confidence and ferocity. I admire the hell out of that. I've dealt with being extremely shy and having social anxiety, and I credit burlesque with finally helping me come out of my shell. I'm still working on that, and these women always inspire me to just go for it.
JNU: Which of your acts are you most proud and for what reason?
HH: My Star Trek "Seven of Nine" act. Construction involved multi-step moldmaking, foamboard, and LEDs, and the end result its pretty cool. It also gives me a chance to show my nerdy side!
JNU: How did you get your name?
HH: Oh, I just came up with a bunch of names that sounded cool, and I asked friends their opinion as well. I chose Hazel Honeysuckle because it sounds soft and sweet, which is how like to think I am most of the time!
JNU: Do you make your own costumes?
HH: Yes I make almost all of my costume pieces; that is a good part of what attracted me to burlesque. My costume-making supplies are taking over my apartment!
JNU: Do you travel for work?
HH: I just finished my first tour with D20 Burlesque. I joined them for the shows in Baltimore and DC. Since I grew up in Maryland, it was so rewarding to perform there! I've also traveled with the Rhinestone Follies to Jim Thorpe, PA for the burlesque festival there, which was amazing.
JNU: And if so, which show in which city was the most memorable?
HH: Jim Thorpe is a beautiful town, and the people were wonderful! DC is my favorite though, as my real hometown. Also the Red Palace in DC is gorgeous and the staff was wonderful and professional. They even asked us for lighting cues!
JNU: How do you stay fit? What's your favourite workout?
HH: Well I have to admit, I don't. I've been lucky so far. I think being lactose-intolerant and not liking french fries (my whole life! - weird, I know) has helped me out in that department.
JNU: What's your current favourite burlesque act doing the circuit?
HH: I recently saw Ms.Tickle perform as Lady Madonna while pregnant. She was beautiful and statuesque, and as usual there was a twist that left my jaw on the floor. Oh, also even though I missed the performance, Stormy Leather has a Battlestar Galactica Cylon act. Nerdgasmic.
JNU: What's your upcoming schedule in New York?
HH: This Friday, the Rhinestone Follies have a very special Cuban-themed show at the Triad Theater. I'll also be at Duane Park this Saturday, dolled by a surprise late-night appearance at the D20 Burlesque Fan Favorites show! I have many other shows, and they're all listed in my calendar on hazelhoneysuckle.com.
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