Hey y’all! Shirley Sweet, here. As a burlesque performer and producer, I am constantly surrounded by amazingly talented individuals — and I would love to introduce you to all those vibrant individuals that I know and love! Burlesque is such a beautiful and diverse community of artists, and one of my favorite things is getting to celebrate the incredible people who make it sparkle.
Today I have the joy of spotlighting the very lovely Mona Loverly! If you’ve ever seen her on stage, you know just how unforgettable she is. She’s the Midnight Muse you’ve been dreaming of, and she’s full of charm, creativity, and that special magic that makes burlesque so irresistible. I had the chance to ask Mona about her journey, what inspires her, and what she loves most about being part of the glittering world of burlesque. I asked all the super important questions, though I have to point out she avoided answering me when I asked if a hot dog is a sandwich… Anyway, I can’t wait for you to get to know Mona better!
Let’s get started! Where are you from, and/or where are you currently based out of?
My name is Mona Loverly, I am currently based out of the triad area. I am from Louisville, Kentucky
Cat or Dogs?
Now Shirley why do you have to make this hard? I can’t decide, I love ALL ANIMALS, that’s what I’m studying in school this fall.
If animals could talk, which one would be the rudest?
If animals can talk…I feel like Cats would be the rudest because they are so sassy and have attitude
Okay, now for the real questions. How would you describe your burlesque persona?
My burlesque persona would be seductive, bubbly, sometimes silly and a little dark.
The people want to know – Are tiny hats acceptable?
Tiny Hats…Hmm, back then they were but now. No comment.
Were you a theatre kid, dance kid, or art kid growing up?
I was more of a dance kid, but every summer I always went to Girl Scout Camp Keywauee and attended their music/dance/art program.
Who or what influences your performance style?
My inspiration of Burlesque was Disney and Looney Tunes, I am not sure if you remember the movie the great mouse detective where there was a lady mouse singer and she stripped off her skirt and was giving them a show, every time I watched that film, 6-year-old me would rewind that part and sing along. I’ve never thought that it was burlesque. I always love the part where Bugs Bunny dresses up in drag and seduces the hunters.
Any pre-show rituals or superstitions?
My preshow ritual is stretching. I always bring a little yoga mat with me, and I stretch for like 5 minutes. That’s the best thing ever for me.
Shirley: That sounds way healthier than my pre-show Taco Bell ritual.
Tell me about your signature act.
My signature act is my very first burlesque act, “Lady Marmalade.” I’ve been working on this act for about 15 years, Patti LaBelle has always been my favorite singer and love the song. I’ve been listening to that song since I was a child and never would expect to be performing to it.
What’s a funny or unexpected thing that’s happened to you on stage?
The recent funniest thing that happened to me was when I competed in the improv show in Raleigh this year and tried to do a chair dance movement which turned out to be a hilarious disaster when I fell back in front of the whole show BUT I played it off smoothly and ended up winning 2nd place
Shirley: I was there for that one. I gave your performance an 11 out of 10!
What do you love most about performing with The Flamingo Revue?
What I love most about performing with The Flamingo Revue is we are like a family, it’s always fun in the backstage every venue we go to.
What do you do when you’re not on stage as a burlesque performer?
When I’m not performing, I’m at my muggle job, or also I love to do special effects makeup! You can see some of my work on my social media, and if you want to learn basic special effects I offer one-on-one lessons for a fee. I am also part of a jazz trio as a vocalist! The trio is called the Half Pint Orchestra. And, I just started with a rock band called Yea(H). You can also catch me go-go dancing with the bands The Malomondos and Southern Culture on the Skids.
Shirley: When do you sleep?!
