Big Lebowski Burlesque

Chicago’s a sketch comedy town, and the city’s thriving burlesque scene shows it. Crafty and sassy, performers inevitably pack their strips with comedic bits and witty pop cultural nods. In this spirit, the producers at Vaudezilla have selected the motherload of cult comedy themes for their September show, Rollin’ Outta Here Naked: A Big Lebowski Burlesque.

It’s safe to say any fan of the Coen Brothers cult classic The Big Lebowski will deem this concept awesome. Am I wrong? When I heard about the show, I began to tick the film’s wacky characters through my head, wondering what each strip would entail. Maude and Bunny are easy enough to imagine. Walter? A cast member told me. I won’t spill. Beyond the stripping, the show will feature original sketches based on the film (how did The Dude, Walter and Donny make it from the car-bashing to the In-and-Out-Burger?) and plenty of audience participation in the form of trivia and prizes.

The news gets better, nerd-fans. Upon selecting their theme, Vaudezilla founders Keith “Dick Dijon” Emroll and Ann Marie “Red Hot Annie” Weinert reached out to the producers of the celebrated Lebowski Fest, which also hits our town in September. As a result, Vaudezilla will perform at the Lebowski Fest Chicago Movie Party at the Portage Theater on September 13^th.

I had the privilege of stopping by a rehearsal at the Vaudezilla studio, where I watched two hilarious performances and chatted with cast members. The performers keep busy, with most of them also appearing in Vaudezilla’s weekly show at the Blue Bayou on Thursday nights. So you’ll be in the know, here are the “ins, outs and what-have-you’s” on the Lebowski Burlesque stars:

Name: Red Hot Annie.

You Should Know: She founded Vaudezilla after working at a hot dog stand.

Lebowski Burlesque Character: Maude.

Favorite Lebowski Moment: Maude’s “vagina” speech.

Name: Donna Touch.

You Should Know: She choreographed the show’s bowling dream sequence.

Lebowski Burlesque Character: Bunny Lebowski.

Favorite Lebowski Moment: “When Maude’s men knock The Dude out. I just like the way Maude’s standing above him.”

Name: Wham Bam Pam.

You Should Know: She co-hosts Broadzilla with Red Hot Annie at Exit.

Lebowski Burlesque Character: Walter.

Favorite Lebowski Moment: Any scene between The Dude and Walter. “I just love the way Jeff Bridges and John Goodman play them.”

Name: Bonny Babs.

You Should Know: She designs costumes for Vaudezilla and limebarb.com.

Lebowski Burlesque Character: A Nihilist.

Favorite Lebowski Moment: “When the nihilists come into the bathroom and attack The Dude. I own a ferret, so it was a moment where I could bond with the movie.”

Name: Maria May I.

You Should Know: She’s Vaudezilla’s “resident flower child and fashion designer.”

Lebowski Burlesque Character: Jesus.

Favorite Lebowski Moment: “I don’t swear a lot, so ‘f— you up the ass on Saturday’ is my favorite because it comes out really wrong to me.”

Name: Dick Dijon.

You Should Know: He’s Vaudezilla’s co-producer and technical director, and he hosts the Thursday night shows at Blue Bayou.

Lebowski Burlesque Character: Marty the Landlord (non-stripping).

Favorite Lebowski Moment: “It’s a toss-up between the funeral home when Walter says ‘Just cause we’re bereaved doesn’t make us saps’ and any time Philip Seymour Hoffman is on screen as Brandt. Particularly his nostril-flaring laugh.”

Rollin’ Outta Here Naked: A Big Lebowski Burlesque

Saturdays, September 5, 12, 19, 26 @ 10 pm.