Sat. April 12

The Boston Babydolls - a leading group of the Boston burlesque revival - are returning to The Coolidge Corner Theatre April 12 at midnight to do something they did last year around this time: Put on a Ladies' Only burlesque performance called "Burlesque For Women, By Women." M.C. Scratch, a man and co-founder of the Babydolls, says "I just wish I could be in it." Sigh. For some background on the tradition of burlesque for women, Scratch emails that in "1929 burlesque in Boston was immensely popular - not just with men, but with women as well.

  In the 1930s, Ann Corio, the reigning queen of burlesque, was performing at The Old Howard Theatre.  Her manager noticed how popular she was with female audience members. Never one to turn down a money-making opportunity, he set up late-night shows "for ladies without escorts". The shows were a huge success, selling out time and again." Miss Mina, co-founder of the BB troupe, said "This is an evening  about women having a good time watching women have a good time.  We're hoping a lot of mothers bring their daughters out - or maybe that will be the other way around ... As students of our burlesque roots and Boston's history, we thought it was important to experience the unique atmosphere of performing burlesque for an all female audience. Last year was for history, but we had so much fun... we're doing it again"  In addition to the Babydolls performance there will be video of classic burlesque performances, a mini lesson in the burlesque arts, and a special guest performance by snake dancer, Zehara Nechash. All for $12 (advance) or $18 (day of show).

290 Harvard St., Brookline, 617-734-2500 www.coolidge.org