Burlesque, Comedy and Cocktail Blast To Hit Greenbelt Thursday

The 21-and-over crowd are invited to a post-prohibition evening with burlesque, comedy, cocktails, and a sideshow to celebrate the Greenbelt Museum's 25th Anniversary.

"We are hoping to recreate the feeling of a vaudeville venue or supper club," said Museum Curator Meagan Searing Young. 

Moonshine Cabaret, featuring celebrity Mab, Just Mab, is heading up the night's entertainment, which Young said is meant to be light-hearted fun.

The anniversary party or Rexford Revue is inspired by the era of 1937, the year Greenbelt was settled. So dust off your rhinestones and vintage ties and get ready for vaudeville, advises Young. Or go all white like Rexford Guy Tugwell, the party's namesake who was known for donning white suits.

Party-goers can capture the evening for all time in a self-service photo booth complete with paper moon.

The celebration runs from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in the Greenbelt Arts Center Thursday. Tickets are $25, which includes cocktails and light hors d'oeuvres.

Classic cocktails will be by Dan Searing, author of "The Punch Bowl," a book of punch stories and recipes spanning four centuries. The evening's cocktails include Tugwell's Tonic, featuring Vinho Verde, and a red-wine based punch called Rex the Red—after Tugwell who was criticized for veering toward socialism. Plus there will be beer, wine and non-alcoholic options.

The evening's fun includes a silent auction with proceeds going to the Greenbelt Museum. Items up for bid include vintage cocktail accessories, pieces from the museum's gift shop, a New Deal Café gift certificate, tickets to an upcoming alight dance theater performance, and a copy of "The Punch Bowl."

Attendees may purchase tickets at the door or online at the Greenbelt Museum's website. Online orders include an additional $1.87 service charge.

The Rexford Revue is co-sponsored by the Greenbelt Arts Center and Maryland Milestones/Anacostia Trails Heritage Area.