A burlesque royal pleasure coming to Moline

The next Mary Quite Contrary House of Burlesque show is extra special.

On Saturday at 8 p.m., a sexy High Tea performance will be at The University Club, 1526 5th Ave., Moline, billed as a “delectable evening planned full of divine desserts, delicious tea, and delightful performances.”

VIP tickets (already sold out) include a wide variety of desserts, tea, and a fanciful burlesque show. General admission seats for $40 (show only, without desserts) are still available.

Troupe founder and leader Mary Francis said this week the fancy concept came from burlesque member Sassy LaShay.

“She went to Scotland last year and she attended a high tea — she said it was like, we have to do this,” Francis said.

“It is so much fun because we’re costuming for this show unlike any other show we’ve done because we’re doing that royalty — like Marie Antoinette, Bridgerton type theme,” she said. “We’ve never had a show like this before. So, it’s been really fun, challenging and fun.”

In addition to troupe members, the High Tea show will feature some special guests – including from the new QC burlesque troupe The Illuminaughties, Sassy Sh’Boom, Kenya Bendover, and Lynnie Pie is coming back to host.

“Aesthetic wise, it will be just like all of our other shows. We’re just basically throwing a tea party in the middle of our show,” Francis said. “So we’ll have like tables all out and around and the tables will be covered with desserts and we’ll have tea. Moonlit Apothecary (of Milan) is actually providing the tea for us. They’re doing custom blends.”

This is MCQHOB’s first show at University Club (in a historic 1912 building), and the venue’s first burlesque event, and they’re all excited, she said. Dancers will mingle among the tables during the event.

Doors will open Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets are available HERE.

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