5SOS SMUT

All That Jazz (C.H)

January 25th, 1925 was certainly going to be a night to remember. Tonight was the opening night for the hottest burlesque in town, in the hottest new bar all around. Rich men from all over New York City where coming down to The Cabaret Rosé. I had done shows before, tons of them, all over New York but this was sure to be my big break as I was cast as the lead in tonight Burlesque show. We had a new song that was just going to be performed for the first time tonight, and my director, Paul, said he wanted me to to perform it. This song was the hit I was looking for, if I pulled this off tonight, Burlesques all over New York would be begging me to show up.

I was performing a new number, called “All That Jazz”, and it was sexy and teasing and all the things I wanted to be. The choreography included me having to go out in the audience and do a little dance for a guest and tonight, Paul thought it would be best if I did a little something for one of his friends who’s birthday it was tonight. He would point him out to me when I got there, but it was his birthday tonight and he was apparently one of the most powerful business man in New York, not to mention most attractive and youngest. Everyone referred to him as Mr. Hood.

I got to the club at 5:30 to rehearse the show, I was in other acts but my big number as the closing act. Next was costume and makeup. One set after the other flew by and next was my act.

My opening outfit for “All That Jazz” was a black corset with lace along the top and a long string of pearls around my neck. Feathers being placed in my hair, one after the other as I applied a thick coat of bright red lipstick and more than enough eyeliner. Hair curled and thrown up in a complicated knot at the top of my head.

“I’m so glad I get to do this song.” I sighed, peering around the curtain and gazing dreamily out at the crowd.

“You earned it kid.”

“Thanks… what about that friend of yours, Mr. Hood? Where is he?” I asked, moving away from the curtain and turning to face Paul.

“Oh, he’ll be the one in the most expensive suit. Brown curly hair, big brown puppy dog eyes, beautiful plump lips. Could make anyone’s knees weak…” Paul trailed off, fanning himself and gazing off into the distance.

“And you’re very sure you two are just friends, I wouldn’t want to give him a little show if he played for another team…” I trailed off, looking at Paul as he automatically flushed deeply.

“OH no! I am not interested in the company of men, not the least bit, why would that idea ever occur to you!” He joked, flashing me his famous smile as I myself laughed. Paul was very openly homosexual.

“And no, to answer your question, he’s very interested in women… sadly.” He said, fake pouting before nodding at me with a suggestive eyebrow wiggle.

“Now go out there and kill it, kid.” He said, shooing me off and going to finish some last minute adjustments. 
I scanned the audience one last time, looking for Mr. Hood. My eyes automatically fell on a brown haired young man, tan skin and gorgeous lips who couldn’t be much older than me, sitting in a table in the front and center. talking to a man with honey coloured curls, sitting with a brandy glass and swirling it every once in a while. This must have been Mr. Hood. Well, I wouldn’t really mind giving him a little tease during my song.
The curtains dropped from the last act and hearing Paul calling from backstage “All That Jazz next, people, hippity hop!” just added to my jitters.

This is all that you’ve been working for. This is the time when anyone in the audience can see your talent and next thing you know, you’re cast in a broadway show and hit it big time. Don’t fuck it up, I thought to myself, getting into my position on stage, preparing for the opening notes and the rising curtains. The rest of the performers got into their starting positions.