Ghostbusty: A Ghostbusters Burlesque

It was only a matter of time before Gorilla Tango turned to that nerd favorite classic, "Ghostbusters," for a burlesque parody. The timing is ideal with a "Ghostbusters" movie remake in the works with -- gasp! -- women in the lead roles.

It is almost as if Gorilla Tango Burlesque (GTB) is priming Chicago audiences for that gender-switching culture shock. Not that "Ghostbusty: A Ghostbusters Burlesque" really requires any excuse to be made. Even the title of the movie with its pun possibilities lends itself to a burlesque revue.

GTB nerd offerings generally do not disappoint. As long as there is an enthusiastic audience, several winks, an occasional nudge and lots of stripping, burlesque is usually successful. That said, "Ghostbust"y is, in a word, exceptional.

Every expected trope, and then some, is covered. It means that, yes, there are ghosts, including the green slime monster as well as the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. And they are all hot!

Props go to Jeremy Eden for writing a very funny script. It is a challenge to parody a comedy and make it fresh by avoiding recycling old jokes, and Eden does that masterfully. With Liz Istrata's direction and Irene Goodnight's choreography, they help produce a show that is endlessly entertaining every minute of its hour-long duration.

Of course, its performers also make the success of this production possible. More on that in a moment.

The premise is the same: Three scientists (and one grunt worker) ensnare ghosts to help keep the city safe. In the movie, the ghosts are sucked into the Ghostbusters' proton packs. In "Ghostbusty," the same happens, but not before they strip down to their pasties. Of course!

Royal T, Rosie Roche and A Myth Ist play the three scientists. The characters names are on their uniforms, but it isn't necessary. It quickly becomes obvious who is playing whom.

Royal T as Venkman is a delectable analog to Bill Murray's sardonic, lascivious wit. Rosie Roche as Stantz (a role originated by Lottie a l'ouest) is playfully pedantic as Dan Aykroyd's nerd with a robust sex drive. A Myth Ist is sensually scholastic as Harold Ramis's Spengler.

C�ch Monet is flirty and feisty as Ernie Hudson's Winston. She also happens to be a hilariously adorable Slimer. It should not be spoiled by explaining it here. She must be experienced in person to appreciate.

Bailey Irish is pitch perfect as Annie Pott's Janine, and just as sexy. Her delivery of Pott's most famous line is an apt homage.

Moxie Rose is quite a vision when her Dana (played in the movie by Sigourney Weaver) turns into Zuul and strips out of her shiny, slinky dress. Unlike the movie, she seduces the audience instead of Venkman. No complaints on the plot deviation there!

Then there is Rick Moranis's Louis. What an unexpected surprise in Carolina Reaper (an apt burlesque name for her, spicily playing on the world's hottest pepper). The audience is taken back with her spot-on impersonation of Louis's awkward, run-on sentences. Even with her geeky glasses and '80s headband, she is a most fetching nerd-turned-gatekeeper.

The whole production, including Andrea Berting's costumes, is wildly inventive. The spry and graceful Jean Wildest is inviting as Stay Puft, and her costume is not at all what might be expected. Even the way they handle the scale of the gigantic Stay Puft to humans with Barbie doll marionettes is very clever.

As well, Goodnight's choreography is polished and provocative. There is a slow-motion fight scene that is uproariously inspired. Again, the performers' skills are critical to its success.

There is not much else that should be said about "Ghostbusty" without the risk of giving too much away. See it for yourself. Unlike crossing the streams, you won't regret it.

"Ghostbusty: A Ghostbusters Burlesque" runs through December 19 at Gorilla Tango Theatre Bucktown, 1919 North Milwaukee, Chicago. Advanced purchase for tickets recommended. For information or tickets, call 773-598-4549 or visit gorillatango.com.org.