Memphis Mae - Internal Monologue/Nailed It!

Memphis Mae: Debut from Burlesque Hall of Fame on Vimeo.

Have you ever watched a play or seen a concert and wondered "What is that actor actually thinking about to be able to cry on cue?" or "Is that singer remembering the life lesson he learned that prompted him to write this song or is he just checking out the groupies?” When we sit around and debate what super power we would choose if we could, flight, invulnerability and, yes, the ability to read minds are always near the top of the list (the best power to have would be teleportation, just so you know). So it's just plain generous of Memphis Mae to allow us access to her ongoing internal monologue in this performance, giving us a hint of the wonders of telepathy for a few treasured moments.

First of all, this is a classic burlesque routine on the face of it, and Memphis is a fantastic performer, because, second of all, I don't think it works as well if the routine is bad...that's another bit of comedy entirely.  Every time I watch it a different bit gets me giggling, the vocalization of the music, the constant musings over how sexy her moves are, the bit with the gloves, it all lands and every line is a genuine laugher. This whole number is such a great idea that the monologue would have been fun even with a mundane accompaniment, but Memphis, from beginning to end, yes, NAILS IT.

I've never been to Australia but I've seen plenty of dynamite Australian performers over the years, thanks to festivals like Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend. That has little to do with this act, specifically, but a big thank you to BHoF for saving me money and time by not needing to go to Australia to see some of the best burlesque performers in the world.