Holy Boobies! Batman Burlesque Hits the North Shore

For an edgier entertainment experience right here in the ‘burbs, get out of your Batcave…

and over to Skokie’s Gorilla Tango Theatre’s production of  “Holy Bouncing Boobies! A Batman Burlesque.”

Gorilla Tango has been producing burlesque parodies for several years at their Bucktown location, but “Bat-boob,” as it’s affectionately known around the water cooler, is the first burlesque show that will be performed at their recently opened Skokie location.

Gorilla Tango’s productions differ from traditional cabaret-style burlesque, which alternates male comics telling jokes and female soloists doing sexy dances. “Our concept is to take guys out of it entirely, and let the girls be funny,” says Gorilla Tango owner and “Da Boss” Dan Abbate.

Batman and burlesque may not seem to have much in common, but if you think back to the campy, goofy 60’s TV series starring Adam West and Bruce Ward, the pairing makes sense. The twist here is that the all-female cast spoofs the classic show while using burlesque dance numbers to further the plot line.

“The girls do all the traditional guy parts. It’s a cool opportunity for them to dance and act and do comedy,” says Abbate.

The show, which runs for one hour without intermission (how I love tight shows!) is directed and choreographed by Juicy Lucy (burlesque performers typically go by stage names.) Juicy Lucy says burlesque is often misunderstood. “People think we’re glorified strippers. But burlesque is comedy and telling a story with dance and art.”  The women do take it off – usually down to a G-string and pasties—but baring it all is not the main objective. “It’s all about the tease and interacting with the audience,” explains Juicy Lucy, “It’s fun.”

Many company members aren’t formally trained in burlesque, but are experienced actors and improvisers. “We look for comedic actors who can portray a character,” says Juicy Lucy. But the women grow to appreciate the art form, which embraces all shapes and sizes. “Women who get involved in burlesque will tell you how much it helps with their self-confidence,” she says. “It’s not about how you look; it’s about how you portray yourself on stage. It’s super empowering.”

Make that KAPOW-ering, right, Batgirl? Well I say, to the Batpoles! I’ll be checking out the show on opening night and I’ll report back here soon – same Bat-time, same Bat-channel.

Holy Bouncing Boobies! A Batman Burlesque
Saturdays 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. (check website for times)
August 4- September 29, 2012
Gorilla Tango’s Skokie Theatre
7924 Lincoln Ave.Skokie, IL 60077
847-677-7761
gorillatango.com/

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