spotlight: Milo Pony & LES is More
Milo Pony, one of the most prolific and popular Boylesque performers in the New York City nightlife scene, is busting out of lockdown. His team, Members Only Boylesque, is producing a spectacular new monthly show. The first one premiers this Friday, June 25th, at 10pm in Manhattan, with tickets as low as $22 (in advance). He seems more than ready to show us a bit of skin- and a very good time.
[dandy:] Tell us about this upcoming show.
[Milo Pony:] "LES is More” is a special Pride installment of our monthly Boylesque show of diverse queer entertainers celebrating the spectrum inside and outside the binary. Drag star Evita Loca is hosting, and there will be performances by me, my producing partner Twinky Boots, Samson Night, Maine Attraction, and Spooky. This is our first live show post-pandemic, and I am SO excited to have an audience.
The pandemic must have been pretty difficult for you.
Yeah, we took our show online, like so many nightlife performers. After The Laurie Beechman closed last March, where we had been performing monthly, we started producing and streaming “Hard Drive”, our virtual Boylesque experience.
How did you meet your producing partner?
Twinky Boots? He’s the best! We started doing burlesque together in another show, and as we got closer, a collaboration seemed inevitable. When the pervious show faded away, we decided to start our own company.
How long have you been performing in burlesque shows?
Technically I’ve been doing burlesque since 2009, when I first did Broadway Bares. However, Milo Pony wasn’t born until 2015, so 6 years. After doing a large show like Broadway Bares, I jumped at my first offer to give solo burlesque a try. I figured if I didn’t like it, I’d say “Well I tried that!” Turns out, I really enjoyed it!
What did you do for your first solo performance?
I derived a piece to Darkside - Kelly Clarkson where a business man came home and changed into his leather gear, tied himself to a chair, blindfolded himself, and waited for whoever was about to walk in.
Very sexy. Do you have a favorite number you've done?
I have a piece I choreographed to Blues In The Night - Ledisi. It’s a classic burlesque and vaudeville style tease. Rhinestones galore.
Do you make all your own costumes?
Yes, but I have friends who help too. I can do most basic alterations and embellishments, but for the more complicated things, friends are key!
What keeps your burlesque fire burning?
I love old school theater and vaudeville. It allows so much expression and audience interaction. Burlesque, like drag, is really open to interpretation. At its core, it’s the same, but you can really make it your own.
As a character, how would you describe Milo Pony in five words or less?
Silly, Sparkly, Sexy
Who are your influences?
Milo Pony is heavily influenced by Dita Von Teese. She is epitome of elegance and grace. But he’s also equally Lucille Ball and Gilda Radner, two brilliant and smart comedic performers.
Who is your favorite Boylesque performer?
I have many favorites, but one that strongly comes to mind is Chris Oh. He's an internationally ranked and award winning Boylesque performer, and he's flawless. His style and presentation are impeccable. He is a male pointe dancer, and he is the sweetest person. I was supposed to perform with him at the Vienna Boylesque Festival in 2020, but sadly it was canceled due to COVID.
What’s the difference between "burlesque" and "Boylesque"?
I think “male burlesque” and “Boylesque” are essentially the same, though Boylesque seems to be a bit more contemporary, whereas "male burlesque" has more of a classic style.
Maybe you get this a lot, but is there really any difference between "burlesque" and "stripping"?
Well, burlesque is a form of stripping, but it generally has more of a through line or story. There is a character there, and it is usually done to make a statement. The point of stripping is to look as sexy as possible taking your clothes off. Burlesque is the art of the tease!
[VIDEO: A past performance of Milo Pony stripping down and singing his heart out]
Members Only Boylesque Presents: “LES is More,”
Friday, June 25th, at 21A Clinton Street in Manhattan. Show starts at 10pm.
instagram :: @membersonlyboylesque / @milo_pony / @twinkyboots
all images appear courtesy of Milo Pony and Members Only Boylesque
