“Happily ever after” came with a burlesque twist at Meow Wolf Denver.
On September 10 and 11, a frosty princess played by Denver’s own Bender Flames led a cast of fairy-tale favorites and familiar villains into Sips (with a Z) for Bippity Boppity Boobs. Written and produced by Prudence DeVilliere, the 18-and-up show opened its doors at 7 p.m., with the performance beginning at 8 p.m.
As guests settled into their tables at Sips (with a Z), some greeted each other with hugs while others laughed while looking over the drink menu. Bartenders got busy filling drink orders before the show began.
Among the drinks being made was Ariel’s Sling, a name that fitting the night’s fairy-tale theme. Sort-A-Sour and espresso martinis were also in the mix as servers returned to tables with drinks on trays.
Once the drinks arrived and the crowd settled in, Bender Flames stepped out to begin the show. Dressed as a frosty princess in a sparkling blue gown and a long blonde braid, the host took the microphone and welcomed the audience into a fairy tale story with a burlesque twist. 
Cinderella brought a little mischief to the stage in a sparkling gown, white gloves, and glittering heels. She danced across the stage and out toward the tables, giving guests a closer look at every playful move. At one point, she caught a glove between her teeth and slowly pulled it free. As more pieces of her costume came off, the cheers grew louder. Cinderella seemed to enjoy keeping the audience guessing about what would come next. 
The fairy-tale cast had a surprise guest, too: One of the 101 Dalmatians bounded onto the stage in a spotted costume and oversized furry paws, bringing another burst of playful energy to the show.
Snow White came rushing toward the stage, glancing around as though someone was close behind her. For a moment, the fairy tale felt like it might take a darker turn. Then the music kicked in, and she turned the chase into her own performance. In a glittering blue corset, puffy sleeves, and a bright red bow, she faced the crowd, smiled, and took control of the story.
Then Bender Flames took the spotlight for a Frozen-inspired rendition of “Let It Go.” Draped in shimmering blue, Bender moved from the stage to the bar, where they picked up a disco ball that opened to reveal ice cubes inside. With tongs in hand, they continued performing while dropping cubes into unsuspecting guests’ drinks, turning the audience into part of the act.
As the song built toward its climax, Bender spun out of the gown to reveal a sparkling blue costume underneath. It was a transformation worthy of Elsa—Though this look was hot enough to melt the ice.
What’s that sound? Could it be a mermaid singing? With flowing red hair and a shimmering purple top, Ariel appeared before the audience, clutching a picture of her one true love. She searched the room as though he might be waiting among the tables, then launched into a playful performance that brought The Little Mermaid into the night’s burlesque fairy tale. 
From true love and happily ever after, the story took a turn toward its villains. The Queen of Hearts strutted onto the stage in red gloves and a heart-shaped crown, pausing to let everyone take in her royal entrance. Four playing cards hurried out to join her, but one soon found themselves facing the queen’s judgment. The others huddled together in alarm as she decided their fate.
Even with the villains taking over, the mood stayed playful. The performers kept the energy high, and between acts, Bender Flames returned with quick jokes and a new look, including a sparkling take on Olaf, complete with a carrot nose. The laughter carried on as the next fairy-tale act got ready to take the stage.
Cinderella’s stepmother was ready for her turn in the spotlight. Lady Tremaine appeared in a sheer red robe with fluffy cuffs. After shedding it, she picked up two enormous feather fans, sweeping them across her body to reveal just enough before hiding behind them again.
A hunched figure in a cloak crept into view, wearing the Evil Queen’s aged face as a mask. For a moment, it looked as though Snow White’s villain had stepped straight out of the fairy tale. Then the performer pulled away the mask, revealing the queen beneath it and turning her frightening entrance into a playful surprise.
Cruella de Vil came next, beginning in a businesslike outfit before bringing out her unmistakable black-and-white spotted coat. She moved toward the tables as she performed, giving the guests closest to the stage a front-row view of her villainous glamour. 
From princesses shedding their gowns to villains stealing the spotlight, Bippity Boppity Boobs gave its fairy tales an ending all their own. The show was written and produced by Prudence DeVilliere. Follow Prudence DeVilliere for more burlesque performances, and watch Meow Wolf Denver’s event calendar to see what takes the stage next.
Photos by Alissha R
