Meet Nina Minnelli of WTF-Lesque in Reseda

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nina Minnelli.

Nina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Lizabeth Stockton (Brandy Snifter), and I (Tiffy Twister) met while performing in the Los Angeles Rocky Horror Picture Show cast Sins O’ The Flesh. It was through another cast member that we got into burlesque. We always brought a very different type of burlesque to the stage than the typical classic burlesque. We thought “we’re weird and gross”, we should create our own show that is nothing but weird, along with drag, comedy, and music mixed in. Brandy then came up with the name WTF-Lesque. We started with casting our friends and acquaintances that we knew were creative and weird like us. In the four years, our show has been going, we’ve met and shared our stage with so many new, amazing weirdos that we feel incredibly lucky to have in our show.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been smooth. There have been trials and errors with show themes, keeping attendance up at certain shows, and, of course, drama with performers, and the seedy bar regulars that drunkenly grace the show. It’s the bar regulars that made us adopt our number one rule at the show; “Don’t be a dick”. The other rules also directly pertain to mostly bar regulars, including: do not touch the performers, do not take photos or video, shut the fuck up, and don’t pretend to be a cop so you can touch performers. That last one is so specific because it really happened.

WTF-Lesque – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
WTF-Lesque is a live variety show featuring burlesque, drag, comedy, and music. Every performance on our stage strives to make the audience say “wtf”, with a smile. We specialize in horror, comedy, and nerd themed performances, and have been labeled the messiest show in Los Angeles. Specifically thanks to our Tarpapalooza show, where every act requires a tarp. Our theme shows have included Stephen King, Stranger Things, John Waters, Danny DeVito, Tim and Eric, Monty Python, and Clowns Mimes and Puppets.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment was being able to celebrate our show’s 4th anniversary with an amazing show, talented performers, and a packed, enthusiastic audience.

Pricing:

• Admission $13

Contact Info:

• Address: 19312 Vanowen St. Reseda, CA 91335
• Email: wtflesque@gmail.com
• Instagram: @wtflesque
• Facebook: Www.facebook.com/wtflesque
• Twitter: @wtflesque

Image Credit:
Ernie Manrique (Group shot, and performer on inflatable hot dog) Donavan Freberg (All others)

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