The New York-based Pretty Things Peepshow will be coming to Johnson City’s Galaxy Lounge Feb. 5 and 6. The peepshow began in 2009, and is currently conducting its 2013 U.S. tour, which started in late January, and will continue into mid-March. 

Peepshow producer go-go Amy created the Pretty Things Peepshow after performing solo in burlesque shows and sideshows. In addition to performing on burlesque stages and in burlesque festivals, go-go Amy also did pinup modeling for various magazines, was the feature dancer in the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ music video for “The Zephyrs Song,” and appeared in Warped Tour. 

I had the opportunity to interview Amy and ask her a few questions about her career, the Pretty Things Peepshow and the peepshow’s current tour.

Q: You’ve worked in burlesque for a while now. What exactly is burlesque?

A: Burlesque is old timey strip tease, which had it’s heyday from the early 1900s to the 1950s. It’s more about the tease than the strip. The sexiest part of the human body is the imagination so I keep enough covered up to make that the focus of my acts.

Q: What inspired you to go into burlesque and to do  pinup modeling?

A:  Pinup modeling makes sense for me to do since my body type is well-suited for it. I have no problems at all with size 0 super models. I respect all ladies no matter what size or shape, but I do know that it’s important to use what you’ve got and what I have is a voluptuously vintage body so that’s the kind of modeling I do. I also think the cheeky aspect of it really suits my personality as well. As for burlesque it is an easy transition form the world of  pinup modeling as so much of the styling is the same. I love being on stage and making fabulous costumes, I actually got my start as a costume designer, and since I love the skin I’m in why not throw some glitter on it and show it off?

Q: When did you get the idea for the Pretty Things Peepshow? How did it begin?

A:  I had been working as a solo burlesque performer for a while and I got hired by a sideshow called The Brothers Grim Sideshow. I fell in love with all the variety acts but wanted to add the sparkle and shine of burlesque to them and that’s basically the idea behind The Pretty Things Peepshow. I also met several of our current performers on that show, too.

Q: How did your experience in burlesque and sideshows influence the content of the Pretty Things Peepshow?

A: I learned everything I know from Ken Harck, The owner of The Brother’s Grim Sideshow. He taught what to do and I also learned what not to do. Touring with that show really opened my eyes to a lot of things and this show wouldn’t be around today if they hadn’t hired me all those years ago.

Q: What can the audience expect from the show?

A: The audience can expect to be entertained by an amazing group of people who are really passionate about what they do. We will have dangerous, funny, sexy and skillful acts in this show plus live music by our new house band The Peepin’ Toms. There’s a little something for everyone and a whole lot of fun in our show!

On Feb. 6 at 6 p.m., go-go Amy will be teaching a 90-minute vintage hair and make-up class. The class is $30 and those interested can purchase tickets online. The class also accepts walk-ins. For more information about the show or the class, visit www.prettythingsacademy.com.

The peepshow will begin at 9 p.m. Tickets are $12 for an individual ticket and $20 for a both-night package. The Galaxy Lounge is located on 216 E. Main St. in Johnson City.

Author