Not sure why this photo of Director, Paul Verhoeven adjusting Elizabeth Berkley's make-up BTS on Showgirls makes me want to Hump Day & Chill, but it does. That's the way it goes, sometimes there is no other explanation than that.
Shot by world class photographer Mary Ellen Mark this cooler than you and I will ever be black and white photo is a whole vibe.
Frankly it's the exact vibe I want to catch for this Wednesday March 18th 2026.
This past Saturday I was lucky enough to be a VIP attendee at the 30th Anniversary Screening Of "Showgirls" put on by Cinespia at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
OMG! It was amazing! Elizabeth Berkley who played the fierce Nomi Malone showed up and introduced the film honoring Gay Pride Month! And then I got a photo with her afterward.
"Showgirls' came out when I was in my thirties and still exploring my identity as a Gay Man. The character of Nomi Malone is someone many gay men, including myself identify with strongly. My inner gay child was dancing with joy during this special evening.
All the photos with the exception of the one taken of Ms. Berkley and Myself were shot by my friend and guest for the to do Bob Drapeau...Leave your inhibitions at the door, the show is about to begin!
You've more than likely heard the term "horse of a different color" well today "eyes of a different color" is the new one, because guess what Minions?! It's National Different Colored Eyes Day...
To commemorate the day, straight outta Showgirls we have Elizabeth Berkley in the house!
"Yes" Elizabeth has eyes of a different color as you can clearly see in the image above. One being half brown and half green and the other being fully green.
While I know Elizabeth is currently starring in a reboot of Saved By The Bell on Peacock, she will always be Nomi Malone the intrepid heroine of Showgirls to this blogger.
Hey, I love Jessie Spano as much as the next Gen Xer, but come on Showgirls is classic cinema on many levels.
So raise your glasses (entendre intended) and celebrate the unique eyes of others while gazing upon them with envy.
While on Instagram yesterday I spied this whimsical image of Kyle MacLachlan in my feed, obviously I follow him on there. It made me smile and I felt it captures my Current Mood quite nicely on this July 1st Hump Day & Chill Thank You very much. It also got me thinking about one of my favorite films of all time Showgirls, in which Kyle played the powerful sleaze Zack Carey. A film which that was an embarrassment to him at the time, but he is glad it took on a life of it's own as a "crowd-pleaser." One of my fond memories of Showgirls aside from MacLachlan's delightfully slimy portrayal of Zack is the many shots of his supple booty. "Yes" Kyle has a nice full fleshy bottom that is a joy to behold. Thus I surfed over to Tye Briggs Favorite Hunks & Other Things just knowing I would see those gratuitous images of the MacLachlan bum. Lo and behold I did! Turns out Tye revisited Showgirls this past April with many shots of Kyle's backside. So let's celebrate July with some buns to Hump Day & Chill to, get your red hot MacLachlan Buns by hitting the link below!!! https://favoritehunks.blogspot.com/2020/04/a-look-back-kyle-maclachlan-in-showgirls.html
"Cold is the color of crystal the snow light, That falls from the heavenly skies" Cold - Annie Lennox Yes it's summer, but why am I feeling so cold? Well this past Tuesday we Americans celebrated July 4th. It was the 241st Birthday of our country, a celebration of a break from tyranny. Yet in 2017 certain people with brain disorders voted it back in. Thus I told people on my social media outlets to celebrate their independence, that is what will keep us all strong, shall we continue? Fer sure! File this under things that never get old: "See Darlin' You Are A Whore" - Cristal Connors, Showgirls It's official, I am the booty whisperer Admit it, kale sucks Annie Lennox was recently mistaken for a promising new singer. Ugh, millennials. Stop calling Kelly Clarkson fat Always remember, your neighbors are cray
How Many Fuxs Do I Give? Adam Lambert
Dear Adam Lambert, I'd give you more than "Two Fuxs" "I'll tell ya how I'm doing...Not well, bitches"Dorinda Medley - The Real Housewives of New York Meanwhile in my pants... I Am Legend One Upon A Time...you know the rest, or do you??? It's the first Thursday of the rest of our lives. Think about it, but not too much. Come to me at: https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en https://twitter.com/MShinafelt
Coincidence Or Conspiracy?
Naomi Campbell, Bradley Cooper & Jennifer Garner
When I first saw this image of one of the more off beat trios you could ever imagine at the Versace fashion show in London my mind first wandered to Ver-sayce. "Yes" I am a HUGE Showgirls fan. I have seen that film more than twenty times, thus every time I see the Versace name I always go there, and have myself a juvenile giggle. OK so back to the strange bedfellows thing. Who but Vers-sayce could bring together Naomi Campbell, Bradley Cooper & Jennifer Garner socializing in a three way conversation?! Also a piece of trivia, three peoples names who do not get spell checked either, now that's something unique! I smell a conspiracy theory brewing... After the 4th of July madness, descending or otherwise, it's time to be amused at the random mystery of life. P.S. You can always leave your hat on. This post has been brought to you by Showgirls, visit it on the web at: www.imdb.com/title/tt0114436/
Santa's Little Latex Helper
Clea Cutthroat
Photo: Daria Marchik
As we all know, Santa has many little "helpers." However it's hard to really name one because they have always taken the backdoor position all these years to the man in the flashy red suit. Well fate is a mysterious thing and I happen to know one of those "helpers" who tells Santa what to gift celebrities. "Yes" this is like a version of The National Enquirer except we are dishing on secrets from behind the Christmas "bear," I mean "beard." Burlesque Beotch, Berlin's Clea Cutthroat is here to dish on what she has told Santa to get for the following ten celebrities. That's right Clea is here to judge whether they have been naughty or nice! How does she rate you ask? You'd have to ask Santa that...Ho Ho Ho!
Margaret Cho, The Girl With The Drag Queen Tattoos
Photo: Dusti Cunningham
Margaret Cho
What to get a badass lady like Margaret Cho?
I want to give her something golden, some jewels.
I know! A golden pussy lipstick case, with ruby labia lips latch. I would also make her lipsticks in her favorite colors, and the tubes would be little golden cocks. Everything would be monogramed with “MC”. That would be fierce!!!!! Hmmmm…maybe, I need to make one for myself too!
Take Imodium!
Donald Trump
Donald Trump.
I can think of a lot of things to give him, but none of them are nice.
But hate doesn’t kill hate right? Awareness and compassion are so much more powerful. Wait! I got it! I would give Donald Trump a six-month intensive with a life coach- Bernie Sanders! If anyone can get into that brain…Bernie can!
I think I believe in Bernie more than Santa Claus.
But, out of fairness to Bernie, Santa needs to give him a BIG present, every day, for the rest of his life in repayment, lol.
Hair!
Jared Leto
Jared Leto A brush? A mirror? All I can think of is his hair, lol.
Come Up & See Me Sometime, Clea
Madonna
Madonna Madonna…Madonna…how I adore thee. I mean, what do you get the woman you have tattooed on your arm?!
I think I would get Madonna 8 Sexy Santa-ettes, 7 sexy elves, 6 bondage-clad reindeer, 5 stocking full of sex toys, 4 leather daddies to massage her, 3 hot girls in tuxedos to serve her champagne and lobster, 2 pairs of jingle balls (cough cough), and 1Clea Cutthroat.
Saint Laverne Cox
Laverne Cox
Laverne has done so much, I have the urge to give back to her, and give her a day of pampering.
I’d get her a week holiday at a spa resort on the beach. Facials (no pun intended), manicures, pedicures, massages, drinks, sun…fun.
She deserves it!
The Art Of The Dita Von Teese
Dita Von Teese Dita seems like a hot, cool, funny chick to me.
I would like to get her something fun!
I think I would get her the twerking butt sex machine. I would cover it in Swarovski’s just for her. I think it even comes with a remote control…total party win! Would look great on her bed, mounted on the wall…on the kitchen top, kitchen table…bathtub! It’s a real personality piece, and it’s a gift that just keeps on giving…and giving. I believe it’s a must have. I’m just drumming my fingers on the computer here waiting for it to appear on “Oprah’s favorite things” list.
Charlie Sheen
Which Partridge? Laurie?
Charlie Sheen Oh Charlie. A lawyer? ….and a partridge in a pear tree…
Hey Elizabeth, It's Flu Season!
Elizabeth Berkley I would take Elizabeth out to get manicures like in Showgirls. Then a dress from Versace, and then when she is rolling her eyes at me (because people probably do this all the time) I would throw my arm around her, laugh, and say, “Come on girl, we’re gonna make it rain on some strippers!”
…and then a limo would pick us up and we would go to the Cheetah in Las Vegas.
Yeah…basically, it’s more about me living out my Showgirls movie fantasy. But, isn’t Christmas about giving, not receiving? ; )
I Take After My Dad
Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber A gift certificate for a new tattoo? Hair gel? A long walk on the beach? Some understanding? A shoulder to cry on? A slap in the face? A boot to lick?
Maybe I would get him a session with a Dominatrix. I think that would pretty much tie all his needs up in a little red….rope ; )
Caught! Practicing On A Cheeto
Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian Hmmm…Kim is a tough one. But, given the holiday spirit, and we need to put our differences aside (unless you are Donald Trump). I think I would take Kim out to a Drag Bar to get wasted! Poor thing probably needs a break from Kayne, right?
Maybe after a few martinis I can get her to spit some blood, rip off her couture and stage dive into the arms of drag queens! How awesome would that be?!?!
For the first time ever I watched a full episode of "Dancing With the Stars" while I am still not a converted loyal fan, let's say they actually have a cast with more actual "stars" than usual and two of the actors on the show, no doubt aimed as a get toward the youth market, Amber Riley of "Glee" and Brant Daugherty of "Pretty Little Liars" are actually working currently on their respective shows.
While I'm not sure how past seasons went overall, the dancing talent is very strong this year and should provide for some fierce competition!
Rather than review a show I never really watch, let me give you the reasons I actually did:
1. Elizabeth Berkley - Despite having worked steadily under the radar for years after "Showgirls" it's time to for her to do something big and attention getting...DWTS is the perfect vehicle for her to do that. She, to me is also a star, how many performers out there have to iconic things under their belt that are the fabric of American Culture, with "Saved by the Bell" reruns on daily around the world and the most infamous "Showgirls"...Oh and by the way I want her to win.
2. Leah Remini - She will always be remembered for the long running sitcom "King of Queens" and currently known as Leah Remini, Scientology Refugee. This makes her present currency very intriguing. Leaving Scientology makes her the ultimate Hollywood Bad Ass, she already was one, but now...also of note she was a Guest Star on "Saved by the Bell" an episode which I ironically saw in the middle of the night drunk in a Vegas Hotel room with my friend Karen Castrischer.
Go Elizabeth!
3. Jack Osbourne - This was not the initial reason I tuned in, but his dancing was so surprising and good, that I would like to see how he progresses. Hey he's Ozzy and Sharon's spawn & former contestant Kelly Osbourne's brother.
4. Brant Daugherty - Hey he's hunky and he's Noel Kahn from one of my favorite shows "Pretty Little Liars". Also he and his dance partner, Peta Murgatroyd have sizzling chemistry, I would tune in to see that week after week...I am betting they end up hooking up off the dance floor too.
5. Valarie Harper - I am grudgingly giving her props for appearing on the show as I personally have mixed feelings about it. She was already given an unfair score - a 21 out of 30. She was OK, but should have received an 18 in my opinion and it annoys me she will get preferential treatment because of her condition. However it is inspiring to see her drag her 73 year old booty out there with brain cancer and all...most of all like Elizabeth Berkley she is a cultural icon, "Rhoda" anyone?
So there you have reasons I tuned in to my first full episode of DWTS and why I may continue to check it out week after week, or at least catch the highlights somewhere.
"They want class. They don't want to fuck a Penny" - Al Torres "Showgirls"
Well apparently Rena Riffel aka "Penny Slot" (wow that's one cheap jackpot) thinks you do. I received this press release in my in-box this ayem with the blaring headline:
"SHOWGIRLS 2: Penny's From Heaven"
on DVD and VOD September 17th
"Showgirls' alum Rena Riffel creates an epic, erotic satire /
homage to the Paul Verhoeven cult camp classic"
Uh, OK...I must say despite every fiber of my being is saying: "Don't do it, don't watch"! Being a huge fan of the original "Showgirls" - "Yes" I have watched it twenty plus times, I feel quite compelled to go for it, no matter the consequences....Yep, I am a glutton for punishment when it comes to things associated with a fond movie memory...Read on and see what you think...
Let the show begin... Again! Original Showgirls star Rena Riffel has taken her screen time in the original cult classic and spun in into an elaborate, erotic spin-off featuring cat fights, murder, new quotable dialogue, and plenty of brown rice and vegetables in the film movies.com says "Goes to a manic superstar level all its own."
Look Mom, No Hands
Joining Riffel are other Showgirls veterans, including Glenn Plummer ("Dexter, "Sons of Anarchy"), Dewey Weber, and Greg Travis (Rob Zombie's Halloween, Watchmen) as well as new recruits to the Showgirls legacy Peter Stickles (Shortbus, The Trouble With Barry), Shelley Michelle, Ford Austin and Paula LaBaredas.
Las Vegas stripper, Penny Slot (Riffel), sets out on an adventure to become the star dancer on a popular television show. With stars in her eyes, she tries to find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow - but instead finds drama, danger and snuff movies in a town much more wicked than Sin City.
Penny's longtime fiance/boyfriend (Plummer) warns her that she needs formal technique training if she wants to be taken seriously as a real dancer, so Penny Slot sets out to learn ballet - but, she must pay the price to make it to the top.
So Cheap: Penny Slot
There are sacrifices to be made at every imaginable level, and it all comes down to... How bad do you want it?
This special edition DVD release of Showgirls 2: Penny's From Heaven includes a commentary with Rena Riffel, deleted footage, behind the scenes and more.
Special Friday the 13th screening in Las Vegas (9/13/13)
Burlesque Biotch and "Entertain Me" favorite, Clea Cutthroat is everywhere, performing with the Rock/Art Band Bonaparte, Writing her online column "Cocktails With Clea" for appropriately enough Burlesque Bitch Magazine to tantalizing people on stage in her own shows, Clea is: Up In Your Grill!
There is something that perhaps you did not know about Ms. Cutthroat she is also a charitable diva.
Recently she took place in a YouTube campaign to supply diapers to The Sage Hospital in Senegal...let's get an update about all that and more, time to "Put A Diaper On It" Clea!
MS: How did you get involved with the bringing diapers to the Sage Hospital in Senegal?
CC: The SAGE taxi actually just picked me up off the street late one night. I had a fight with a magician, stole his dove....and was trudging along a dark road with my suitcase, body guard and bird cage, when the taxi pulled up. They asked me if I wanted a ride, and then they asked me if I would do something good for there hospital in Senegal. It was a very easy, YES!
It's such a great cause, and if literally 20 minutes of my day can help bring something positive to the children and families there, it is truly an honor. I am so flattered that they asked me.
MS: How did the task go?
CC: GREAT! I don't have the final count yet of the number of diapers that will be donated, but needless to say we got A LOT!
MS: I'm jealous, I want a disco alarm clock! Where did you ever find such a groovy item?
CC: Believe it or not, I actually gifted it to someone, and they gave it back to me. (crazy, I know). One man's trash....is another diva's disco ball extrvaganza!!!!
Clea's Charity Video
MS:Did you stuff your bra with pampers in high school too?
CC: I was actually more a roll-your-skirt-up-to-your-crotch kinda gal Catholic all girls school...I was nothing but class lol!
MS: Since you always ask yourself "What would Madonna do"? If she were aware of your Diapers for Senegal campaign do you think she would buy them for Sage Hospital or her boyfriend first?
CC: Michael...don't make fun of Madge! Her boyfriends are perfect baby angels that have six-packs and brooding eyebrows instead of angel wings. Aaaaaaaaand, I think that Queen M would be the first one showing up with trucks full of diapers...but they would probably have "Truth or Dare" written across the back!
MS: Enough of the "Diaper Talk" what else have you been up to chica?
CC: I have just gotten back from festival season with Bonaparte...we had a crazy ass show at the Kazantip Republic in the Ukraine. I don't even know how to describe that one- Bladerunner meets Showgirls meets Wild Things?! It was amazing!
I'm currently getting ready to launch Black Boulevard! My lingerie label I do together with Fraulein Kink. It will be up and online in about a month. It's been my baby for over a year, so I wasn't launching a damn thing until it is completely perfect ....and it just about is! I am REALLY excited!
I also will be performing at the 1st International Berlin Burlesque Festival in September, and also in Rome for the Caput Mundi International Burlesque Award in November. I caaaan't wait! Gladiators here I come!
Perhaps Platinum....
MS: I'm bummed you are not making the trek from Berlin to Los Angeles next month.
CC: ME TOO!!! Unfortunately, it was just a matter of timing...too many tours going all in opposite directions from Los Angeles. But, I gotta make it back there so soon! I'm California dreaming already! Pass me the suntan lotion and a fish taco immediately!
MS: Yeah, I was looking forward to having margaritas and spitting blood on people with you.
CC: Awww, that would be amazing!!!!! Well, I got a pint of fake artery blood with your name on it! I also have some neon, glow in the dark, margarita salt..so we can get real fancy!
MS: Awesome! Tell me what your ultimate kitsch dream item to own would be and if it needs batteries.
CC: I'm sorry, but the only thing that I got from that question was "batteries" and all I can think of is a vibrator.
Vibrator. Vibraaator...Viiiiiiiiibrator!
OH! WAIT! I got something! A GIANT light up deco-aquarium! I LOVE THOSE THINGS!!!
Ever wonder what it would be like to have cocktails with Berlin-Burlesque-Biotch Clea Cutthroat?
Well thanks to the Internet and Burlesque Bitch online you can now get up close and viral with Clea as she mixes you one of her fabulous libations and let's you into the world according to Cutthroat.
Recently I broke out my riding crop and ordered Clea to give me five. Five good reasons that people should want to have cocktails with her.
She of course complied and is a smart Burlesque Biotch - Please take note of reason number five, not only does Clea know of what she speaks, it is a mantra you should all adhere to.
OK, Clea - I'm ready...give me five, now!
Give Me My Wine!
Clea Cutthroat:
1. It's free! Cheaper than any cocktail in the WORLD!!! So much fun, color, and laughs at a bargain price of $Free.00!
2. In Drag Race language, I would describe it as: the "C" is for charisma, "L" is for libations, "E" is for extravaganza, and "A" is for adventure.
3. In times of uncertainty, I always ask myself, "What would Madonna Do?". I'm just sure she would read it! Or, at the very least, have a cute pool boy read it to her
4. You get the latest news on showgirls, drag queens, circus freaks & geeks, as well as free cocktail recipes from around the world! Perfect for showing off at your next date or dinner party.
5. Because Michael Shinafelt said so! And after asking Madonna, my next question to myself is ALWAYS..."What would Michael do?"
"So, I thought, "what is that one thing that really made me so happy and joyful"? That was writing my music. I knew I needed to pursue it and follow through with it the way I wanted to twelve years ago, or I would regret it for the rest of my life. I'm going to give it my all for as long as I can"
- That Rogue Romeo "Chorus and Verse" to yours truly Michael Shinafelt Romeo, Romeo, That Rogue Romeo, his real name is Kevin Stea he has had quite the ubiquitous career. From being a dance captain/dancer/choreographer on Madonna's "Blonde Ambition" tour - to appearing in one of my favorite movies of all time, "Showgirls". Kevin wanted to break on through to the other side. and indeed he did. His latest single is "Wonderland" and like Alice it looks like Kevin has fell down a hole of some sort. Check out my full length interview with Kevin at the jump: http://www.chorusandverse.com/content.php?id=20120913A And treat yourself to a "Wonderland" That Rogue Romeo style....Hit It!
Romeo, Romeo, where for art thou “That Rogue Romeo”.... Well his name is Kevin Stea and he's right here and now.
Kevin is quite ubiquitous and gets around – you may remember him from Madonna's “Blonde Ambition Tour” where he was not only a back-up dancer, but co-coreographer and dance captain for it as well. He also had a featured role as one of the dancers in the Las Vegas show “Goddess” featuring Cristal Connors in the camp classic “Showgirls”.
Mr. Stea is currently conquring another frontier, one he has always wanted to tackle, at the age of fourty-two, he is pursuing a singing career, that combines his love of dance, his visual flair and knowledge of the business having worked with so many greats in it....it's time for “The Rogue Romeo” Kevin Stea...!
MS: Being involved in music as a dancer, what made you decided to pursue it as a voclist/performer?
KS: Music started for me when I went on “Star Search” as a dancer. I pursued a singing career with Capitol Records and that didn't pan out, but it started this little spark in the back of my head. When I went to Italy however I did get offered a recording contract. I was singing on live TV and it was going over really well, so they offered me a contract – they gave me the melodies and I wrote the songs because they wanted the lyrics written in English, that was the most satisfying part of the process, writing the songs. I gave up music for a long time after a series of shady deals...the truamatic experiences that happened in Italy. Recently, when I got injured dancing on tour, I try to look at my injury as a postive thing, not: “I'm an old hag” (laughs) So I thought “what is that one thing that really made me so happy and joyful”? That was writing my music. I knew I needed to pursue it and follow through with it the way I wanted to twelve years ago, or I would regret it for the rest of my life. I'm going to give it my all for as long as I can.
MS: You are doing it at a time when the music industry has so changed, it's much more difficult.
KS: It is much more difficult, but there is much more opportunity to be myself.
MS: Good point.
KS: Back in the day that was part of my frustration. They had me write lyrics about getting the girl and having this grand old time. (laughs) That's not what I want to sing about, that's not who I am. Now with social media and various outlets I have more power than ever to be myself in the music industry. I want to be myself as an artist, not some random production of a label.
MS: “Machine & Magic” is the name of your album, correct?
KS: Yes, it is.
MS: By the way, do you play any insturments? I'm curious.
KS: Well, I play a little bit of piano and a little bit of drums, but I'm not going to say I will ever play either of them live. (laughs) I work with producers to create the sounds I want, and I usually have to act it out visually for them to get what I am going for. Musicians, being artists themselves understand what I am saying to them with body language.
MS: There are a few other artists I know who do that too.
KS: Sometimes you have to, there are things you can't always say with words that you can say with your body and vice versa.
