A Nude Hope: A Star Wars Burlesque
Well, there’s nothing quite like a burlesque to top off the weekend (quite literally), and what better than a Star Wars themed one at that? Gorilla Tango Theater has provided us sexy, nerdy, gaming shows since about a year ago. Their first show we witnessed; Boobs and Goombas: A Mario Bros. Burlesque, was so full of win that it is still running a full year later with tickets that are selling like hotcakes.
Needless to say, I was rather excited at the prospect of seeing another one of their productions, as I know what they are capable of. Again, the costumes were not top notch, but honestly they didn’t matter as each piece added something to the show in an amazing way. When outfits are made to be taken off, each piece matters that much more, and it especially helps when the person in them is immersed in their character.
This show encased the movie Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope pretty efficiently. There is even a playful jab at the rivalry between Star Wars and Star Trek. It was utterly amazing, and if you are in the Chicago area, grab your ticket quick, because they sell out really quickly.
Second Opinion:
I thought I’d chime in with my own thoughts on the show. I was unable to attend the Boobs and Goombas performance that we covered last year, so this is my first experience at Gorilla Tango. I was particularly excited for this show, as I’m a huge Star Wars nerd. That, and I also happen to like boobs.
During the entire trip to the theater, I was wondering how on earth they were going to turn Star Wars into some sort of burlesque. After all, there are far more male characters than females. Let me tell you, from one Star Wars nerd to another, they did an excellent job. The characters have been altered slightly to fit the show, and the plot takes a few detours here and there, but it is done spectacularly. You can tell that this was written by fans, and not just a bunch of dancers with lightsabers and stormtrooper helmets. It is a full-blown production of Star Wars.
What I found interesting is that despite the fact that it wasn’t a high-budget show, it was amazing. In fact, the silly costumes that they came up with added to the enjoyment of the performance. I spent more time laughing at the costumes and acting than at any movie I’ve gone to in the past few years. If you are a Star Wars lover in the Chicagoland area, this is a must-see. Just be warned that you’ll never look at Obi-Wan the same way again.
-Chris Scott Barr
