ACT OUT OPENING: BUTTON DOWN MONSTERS at Gorilla Tango

The Button Down Presents A Halloween Edition of Popular Chicago Storytelling Event

The Button Down presents a night of storytelling for the bravest of souls, delving into fear and loathing and monster-mayhem from the true-life adventures of some of Chicago's up and coming storytellers. Performance is Monday, October 14, 2013 from 7 to 9 pm at Gorilla Tango Bucktown, 1919 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647. Free and open to the public with baked goods for the taking and beer and wine for purchase. Advance reservations can be made at www.gorillatango.com or by calling 773-598-4549.  

Pictured is Kevin Nye; photography is by Allen Dayag. Caption: "Kevin Nye busts a move and shares a story about rejection."

The Button Down is a Chicago-based storytelling community that promises oversharing that leads to understanding. Co-founders Dee Fabbricatore and Meredith Stockton created The Button Down from the mutual belief that storytelling should feel more like an intimate gathering than a spotlight performance, and that there should always be free baked goods nearby. 

Since their first show in March 2013, The Button Down has hosted more than 50 local personalities and showcased their gut-punching narratives, which were crafted specifically for The Button Down based on a given one-word theme. Stay tuned for new, innovative storytelling ventures and podcasts later this year. 

Gorilla Tango Bucktown is a year-round performance venue featuring an 80-seat black-box theater, rehearsal rooms, and co-producing contracts providing artists with marketing, box office, and front of house support as well as  strategic business advice for creating sustainable art.

Gorilla Tango Bucktown is conveniently located at the intersection of Western and Milwaukee in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood. Easily accessible by public transportation, GT Bucktown is steps away from the Western Blue Line stop and the #49 Western, #56 Milwaukee, and #73 Armitage bus routes. Metered street parking is available on Milwaukee Avenue. Offering shows for a wide variety of audiences, Gorilla Tango Bucktown performances are listed in full on the website with descriptions and ratings similar to movie theater screenings. GT Bucktown now offers a selection of affordable beer and wine for purchase. Consult the website for rating information, tickets, and details about how to produce at this venue.

www.gorillatango.com
1919 N Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago IL 60647
773.598.4549

ACT OUT OPENING: "Wendell Tucker Hates the World," and Lays the Smack Down on Depression in African American Men

Fresh off the seven-year run of hit hip-hop musical, I Still Love H.E.R. (atributetohiphop), Chicago playwright and performer Wendell Tucker returns to the stage with the debut of his new one man comedy, Wendell Tucker Hates the World. Drawing on his experience as an African American man diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, Tucker developed this piece, produced by Theori Stages, to urge minorities to fight for their mental wellness. Wendell Tucker Hates the World runs Saturdays at 7 pm from October 12 through October 28, 2013 at Gorilla Tango Bucktown, located at 1919 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at gorillatango.com or by calling 773 598 4549. 

An artfully-orchestrated rant about life, love, and the dark side of the human condition, Wendell Tucker Hates the World is framed with comedy and rooted in the belief that mental wellness is an issue quickly eroding the fabric of minority communities. Performer/playwright Tucker obliterates the taboo of mental illness by putting his story front, center, and without apology. Come watch walls of silence be broken down as Tucker presents the vulnerable honesty that comes with knowing oneself through one of the most difficult trials anyone might face. 

ABOUT THEORI STAGES
Theori Stages was founded in January 2005 at Chicago State University, and is under the Artistic Direction of Wendell Tucker. Its mission is to educate and uplift all communities through theatre and hip-hop. 

Gorilla Tango Bucktown is a year-round performance venue featuring an 80-seat black-box theater, rehearsal rooms, and co-producing contracts providing artists with marketing, box office, and front of house support as well as  strategic business advice for creating sustainable art.

Gorilla Tango Bucktown is conveniently located at the intersection of Western and Milwaukee in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood. Easily accessible by public transportation, GT Bucktown is steps away from the Western Blue Line stop and the #49 Western, #56 Milwaukee, and #73 Armitage bus routes. Metered street parking is available on Milwaukee Avenue. Offering shows for a wide variety of audiences, Gorilla Tango Bucktown performances are listed in full on the website with descriptions and ratings similar to movie theater screenings. GT Bucktown now offers a selection of affordable beer and wine for purchase. Consult the website for rating information, tickets, and details about how to produce at this venue.

www.gorillatango.com
1919 N Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago IL 60647
773.598.4549

ACT OUT OPENING: The Arts Before Entertainment Collective Presents a Double Feature: Two New Horror Plays Open October 2013 at Gorilla Tango Bucktown

The Arts Before Entertainment Collective (A.B.E.) presents an alternative to scary movies and haunted houses with double horror play feature Strokes Before the Coming of Midnight and Dead. Drunk. Girls. at Gorilla Tango Bucktown, 1919 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647. Production runs Thursdays at 7:30 pm from October 10 through October 31, 2013. Tickets are $18 general admission, $24 for onstage seating and complimentary beverages; tickets may be purchased at www.gorillatango.com or by calling 773-598-4549.  

One cast performs these two new plays, starting with Strokes Before the Coming of Midnight, a surreal psychological horror play based on a French myth. Deja vu, doppelgangers, and the demons that create them appear in the limbo between good and evil. Exploiting each other's fears and secrets, the cast of characters await the arrival of the devil himself, who is set to appear at the stroke of midnight. 

Dead. Drunk. Girls., featuring the same versatile cast, explores the pop culture horror stereotype of the tragically drunk girl. Through the experience of a bartender who's seen far too much, navigate through grind house suspense and cautionary tales of good nights gone bad. Don't forget to tip your bartender...

Matthew Defiore. Caption: "Worst case scenario in Strokes Before the Coming of Midnight." Photography by Tara Kline. 

Image 2 pictures actors Virginia Robinson and Nate Ross. Caption: "Cautionary tales don't get anyone very far in Dead. Drunk. Girls." Photography by Tara Kline. 

ABOUT THE ARTS BEFORE ENTERTAINMENT COLLECTIVE (A.B.E.)
The A.B.E. is an ensemble of Chicago-based artists who seek to advance live theatrical entertainment by collaborating across genre and involving audiences viscerally in the experience of live performance. A.B.E. includes Jysten West, Chicago director; designers Sean Stanford (sound) and Dalton Link (set). More information about upcoming collaborations can be found at theartsbefore.com.

For more information or to schedule a review, please contact Gwen Tulin at gwen@gorillatango.com or 773.798.9915. More information on Gorilla Tango Bucktown is available at info@gorillatango.com or 773.598.4549.

Gorilla Tango Bucktown is a year-round performance venue featuring an 80-seat black-box theater, rehearsal rooms, and co-producing contracts providing artists with marketing, box office, and front of house support as well as  strategic business advice for creating sustainable art.

Gorilla Tango Bucktown is conveniently located at the intersection of Western and Milwaukee in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood. Easily accessible by public transportation, GT Bucktown is steps away from the Western Blue Line stop and the #49 Western, #56 Milwaukee, and #73 Armitage bus routes. Metered street parking is available on Milwaukee Avenue. Offering shows for a wide variety of audiences, Gorilla Tango Bucktown performances are listed in full on the website with descriptions and ratings similar to movie theater screenings. GT Bucktown now offers a selection of affordable beer and wine for purchase. Consult the website for rating information, tickets, and details about how to produce at this venue.

www.gorillatango.com
1919 N Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago IL 60647
773.598.4549

Are YOU Game For Boobs & Goombas at Gorilla Tango? #Review

Photo by K Leo, www.mirthandbeauty.com

"Mario and Luigi on the run in Level 2."

ChiIL Live Shows came out to play with the Gorilla girls last night at midnight, for opening night of the return of Boobs and Goombas, 

A Super Mario Bros Burlesque, and we can honestly say the show was a hoot.

Once you play their version of Mario Brothers, you'll never look at those mustachioed characters quite the same way again.   This is the production that started it all for Gorilla Tango.   So like the video games that sparked this colorful, fun burlesque show, these characters are going back to the beginning and enjoying a new life.   All GT burlesque shows are 18+, $35, and many do sell out, so advanced tickets are strongly suggested.   

It's worth the ticket price to see the creative, custom pasties!   These girls know how to rock a theme.  The costumes are hilarious and add a playfully fun touch to this super show.  There are some talented dancers in the cast and the choreography, creative plot and character acting elevate this show above the average bump n grind.   Just be forewarned...you may have Mario tunes on the brain for a while after the show.

If you're a newbie to burlesque, or considering going to Gorilla Tango for the first time...you might be pleasantly surprised the audience isn't just drooling guys.   Loads of couples, girls night out groups, and a wide range of ages and types people each audience.   Gorilla Tango is the reigning queen of nerdy burlesque, and great for lighthearted, late night fun.

TIPS:   

Street parking is pretty easy to find.   

There's a small bar in the lobby and you can bring beer & wine back to your seats that you purchase there .   

Bring a pocket full of singles & fives.   There's no stuffing G-strings here, but if you kick em a few extra bucks in the mystery box, you'll unlock new levels and alternate endings.

Gamers, geeks and girlie burlesque lovers 18+.   Oh-a-YES! After voyaging far and wide (including an ongoing stint in New Orleans!) Gorilla Tango Theatre is proud to announce that the show that started it all - BOOBS AND GOOMBAS: A SUPER MARIO BURLESQUE – is back at its Bucktown venue! 

BOOBS AND GOOMBAS: A SUPER MARIO BURLESQUE will perform Saturdays at 11:59pm, beginning February 2, 2013 at Gorilla Tango Theatre, 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave.  Tickets are $35; group rates (8 or more) available – see website for details. To purchase tickets call 773-598-4549 or visit www.gorillatango.com. Ages 18 and over.

Click here to check out our prior, photo filled coverage and full show details.

ACT OUT OPENING: Boobs and Goombas, A Super Mario Bros Burlesque Returns to Bucktown!

The mustache craze isn't just for hipsters....

Photo by Endlessly Photography

"Boobs & Goombas: A Super Mario Burlesque"

Top row: Ruby Bourbon

Middle row (L-R): Lucita Bonita, Zatanna Zor-Elle, Bonnie Cupcakes, Henrietta Heartbreak

Bottom row (kneeling/seated, L-R): Paly Flames, Devyn Deviante, Inara Rose

Gamers, geeks and girlie burlesque lovers 18+.   Oh-a-YES! After voyaging far and wide (including an ongoing stint in New Orleans!) Gorilla Tango Theatre is proud to announce that the show that started it all - BOOBS AND GOOMBAS: A SUPER MARIO BURLESQUE – is back at its Bucktown venue! 

BOOBS AND GOOMBAS: A SUPER MARIO BURLESQUE will perform Saturdays at 11:59pm, beginning February 2, 2013 at Gorilla Tango Theatre, 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave.  Tickets are $35; group rates (8 or more) available – see website for details. To purchase tickets call 773-598-4549 or visit www.gorillatango.com. Ages 18 and over.

Photo by Endlessly Photography

"Mario (Paly Flames) and the Princess (Zatanna Zor-Elle)

Mario and Luigi have become so perpetually frustrated by their endless pursuit of the Princess that everything they see has started to look like a beautiful, sexy woman-- even their most dangerous enemies! This sexy burlesque romp is a send-up of the  famous Mario Bros. video games. Join us to discover whether the world's most adventurous plumbers will finally rescue the Princess and consummate years of amorous toil, or be seduced along the way by their alluring enemies. Don't forget to bring a few "coins" (or dollars) for tips... If the cast collects enough coins along the way, the audience will unlock the alternate ending!!!

Photo by K Leo, www.mirthandbeauty.com

"Mario and Luigi on the run in Level 2."

Featuring Chicago favorites Paly Flames as Mario and Inara Rose as Luigi, and includes the talents of Bonnie Cupcakes, Zatanna Zor-Elle, Lucita Bonita, Crystal Paradise, Devyn Deviante, and introducing GTB newcomer, Henrietta Heartbreak.

Super Mario Bros. was released in Japan on September 13, 1985 and went onto sell over 40 million copies. The plumber has gone on to star in numerous critically acclaimed platformers and his Super Mario Bros. series is still the most popular of all time with 240 million units sold globally. The Mario character has appeared in more than 200 video games, and now, one burlesque show.

Photo by Greg Inda

"Mario and Luigi - perplexed."

BOOBS AND GOOMBAS: A SUPER MARIO BURLESQUE was originally created and directed by MsPixy. The remount is directed by Jeremy Eden, with choreography by Ruby Bourban, based in part on original choreography by MsPixy. Produced by Gorilla Tango Burlesque.

Photo by Greg Inda

"Koopa Troopa!"

Check back with ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   We're reviewing Gorilla Tango's Dr. Who Burlesque opening this Friday 1/1 and we'll be reviewing Boobs and Goombas after Saturday.

Gorilla Tango Theatre (GTT) is a year-round theatrical venue where audiences of all ages can consistently go to see a wide variety of talented artists. GTT exists to provide artists with an opportunity to produce their work in professional environment. GTT was created by Second City- and IO-Chicago-trained Dan Abbate and boasts an 80-seat performance space. GTT Chicago is conveniently located at the intersection of Western and Milwaukee in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood. Easily accessible by public transportation, GTT is steps away from the Western Blue Line stop and the #49 Western, #73 Armitage and #56 Milwaukee buses. Street parking is readily available.  With shows for all ages, all GTT performances are on a rating system, similar to the one used in movie theatres. GTT offers a variety of affordable beer and wine for purchase. Consult the website for rating information, tickets, and details.

www.gorillatango.com

1919 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60647  #773.598.4549

ACT OUT OPENING: Don't Blink: A DOCTOR WHO BURLESQUE (18+)

Lady Lemondrop as The Doctor and Devyn DeViante as a Roller Skating Dalek
All photos by Greg Inda 

DON’T BLINK: A DOCTOR WHO BURLESQUE
Is that a sonic screwdriver in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?

Heck yeah!   Our fav nerdy burlesque is baaaaack with another new geek chic show.  We adore Dr. Who and can't wait to see it Gorilla Tangofied!   This show's bound to give the cliche "playing doctor" a whole new twist.

Diva La Vida as Cyberwoman

"Who can save the earth from imminent destruction?"

Hot on the heels of the critically acclaimed “The Empire Brings Sexy Back,” Gorilla Tango Burlesque releases a fun romp thru Doctors Past and Present that will keep you warm – and wide awake – thru Winter. DON’T BLINK: A DOCTOR WHO BURLESQUE performs Fridays at 9pm, February 1 – May 31, 2013 at Gorilla Tango Theatre Bucktown (1919 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago IL 60647). Tickets are $35; 18 and over only. Advance purchase recommended: www.gorillatango.com/who or 773-598-4549.  

Come travel through time and space with The Doctor and his companion, Cort, in their silliest, sexiest and most “lady-like” adventure yet! When a rough ride in the TARDIS leads to some gender bending changes for The Doctor, s/he embarks on a literal journey of self-discovery. Along the way s/he meets up with old friends, older incarnations, a few enemies, and even a naked Ood or two. Daleks and Cyberwomen and Weeping Angels, Oh my!

Directed by Katherine Siegel and choreographed by Kay Smiles, DON’T BLINK: A DOCTOR WHO BURLESQUE is an awesomely hilarious burlesque spoof on the beloved series about the multi-incarnationed time traveler.  

Says Seigal, “'Don’t Blink' is the sexy ode to Doctor Who that fans like me have been waiting for.” She continues, “It’s great to have the opportunity to take something you love and turn it on its head. So much work in science fiction deals with gender politics; and with a growing audience of female Sci-Fi fans, it’s great to take a moment to look at content with as much history as Doctor Who through a lens of femininity. Burlesque is all about social commentary through parody which makes it exciting for all audiences. Mixed in with the funny one liners and sight gags there is a ton of commentary about the emphasis on gender in the Doctor Who community. Oh, and did I mention? For those people who don’t care about all that, there will be boobs. Roller skating Dalek boobs. C’mon – how awesome is that?”

Actor ID (L-R): Juicy Lucy, Crystal Paradise, Lady Lemondrop, Diva La Vida, Devyn DeViante, Irene Goodnight, and Ruby Bourbon

Writer Busty Warren is excited to have brought a burlesque Doctor to life. "I'm thrilled that this show is happening in the year of Doctor Who's 50th anniversary…I've been a fan since before the 20th anniversary!" When asked to comment on her preferred Doctor, she replied, "For most people, their first Doctor is their favorite Doctor. Mine was 4, Tom Baker. I actually met him once at a convention in Boston in 1983. I knew it would be impossible to include all the Doctors, so I used the three most recent, from the "new" series, plus my boy Tom.”

Join Gorilla Tango Burlesque for the trip of a lifetime! And whatever you do, DON'T BLINK.

Diva La Vida as the stern Cyberwoman and Lady Lemondrop as The Doctor

MORE ABOUT DON'T BLINK: A DOCTOR WHO BURLESQUE
Written by Busty Warren
Directed by Katherine Siegel
Choreographed by Kay Smiles
Costumes by John Allbritton
Produced by Gorilla Tango Burlesque
Featuring: Lady Lemon Drop, Devyn DeViante, Juicy Lucy, Irene Goodnight, Ruby Bourbon, Crystal Paradise, and Diva La Vida

MORE ABOUT GORILLA TANGO BURLESQUE
Gorilla Tango Burlesque has gone from the debut of the surprise hit “Boobs & Goombas: A Super Mario Burlesque” in October 2010 to a local burlesque/comedy powerhouse with literally thousands of audience members through the door to see unique burlesque parodies of everything from Star Wars to Indiana Jones, from superheroes to 1990s pop-culture phenomena -- and that's just a small selection of what they have available for-- as their slogan states-- "the Discerning Nerd." GTB’s smash Halloween hit, “Boobs of the Dead: A Walking Dead Burlesque” brought sexy to local zombies this past October, and recently its burlesque sequel, “The Empire Brings Sexy Back” has Star Wars fans flocking for more!


Gorilla Tango Theatre (GTT) provides year-round theatrical venues where audiences of all ages can consistently go to see a wide variety of talented artists. GTT exists to provide artists with an opportunity to produce their work in professional environment. GTT was created by Dan Abbate and boasts two venues: an 80-seat performance space in Bucktown and a 150-seat performance space in Skokie. GTT Bucktown is conveniently located at the intersection of Western and Milwaukee in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood. Easily accessible by public transportation, GTT is steps away from the Western Blue Line stop and the #49 Western, #73 Armitage and #56 Milwaukee buses. Street parking is readily available.  Gorilla Tango’s Skokie Theatre is located in the heart of Downtown Skokie; street and lot parking available. With shows for all ages, all GTT performances are on a rating system, similar to the one used in movie theatres. GTT offers a variety of affordable beer and wine for purchase. Consult the website for show details, rating information, tickets, and more.

ACT OUT: Gorilla Tango Burlesque Round Up & Donna Madonna

Now that it's October, Halloween is in the air.   We'll be doing a Gorilla Tango late night double feature October 6th and we'll have a review up for you shortly.   We'll be checking out both Fellowship of the Boobs & Boobs of the Dead.

For now here's a mini GT round up:

Photos courtesy of John Paul Karliak

Donna Madonna

finding acceptance, told through stories, songs 

DONNA/MADONNA WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY JOHN PAUL KARLIAK

*SET FOR ONE PERFORMANCE ONLY OCTOBER 16 AT 
GORILLA TANGO THEATRE IN BUCKTOWN 

Rizzo 39 Productions has announced a one night only 
engagement of DONNA/MADONNA at the Gorilla Tango 
Theatre Bucktown (1919 N Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, 
IL 60647) on October 16 at 7:30pm. Written and 
performed by John Paul Karliak, DONNA/MADONNA is 
directed by Tiger Reel and Matthew Craig. Tickets 
are $20 and available at www.gorillatango.com or 
773-598-4549. 
 

In this hilarious and poignant autobiographical 
one-act, writer/performer John Paul Karliak wants 
desperately to be the perfect son for his adopted 
mother, a doting Catholic housewife from Scranton, 
PA. But realizing he will never be the ideal local 
boy, he seeks answers from a very different 
source: his fashion journalist, 
married-to-a-British-pop-star birth mother. 

Donna/Madonna is a tale of motherly love and and characters like Darth Vader, Carol Channing and John Paul's unforgettable mothers. 
 

Donna/Madonna was the winner of the Best One Man 

Show Award (2010 United Solo Theatre Festival in 
New York), Best of Fringe Award (2011 New York 
International Fringe Festival), Overall Excellence 
in Solo Performance Award (2011 San Francisco 
Fringe Festival), and Best Solo Performance (2011 
StageSceneLA.com Awards). Last year, the show 
enjoyed a successful run at Hollywood’s Lounge 
Theatre. 

John Paul Karliak’s LA theatre credits include The Mistakes Madeline Made, The Girl, the Grouch & the Goat, Into the Woods, Inherit the Wind, Women and Wallace, Whatever, and Sexual Perversity in Chicago. A graduate of the USC School of Theatre, iO West and Second City Training Center, John Paul has written numerous short films and plays which have been produced in various locales around the country, including Donna/Madonna, which is his first full-length solo production. 

Tickets for Donna/Madonna at the Gorilla Tango 
Theatre are available now, online at 
 www.gorillatango.com or by calling (773) 598-4549. 
All seats are $20. Gorilla Tango is located at 
1919 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago, 60647. For 

more info, visit www.donnamadonnashow.com. 

GT Burlesque

BOOBS OF THE DEAD: A WALKING DEAD BURLESQUE
Hottest. Apocalypse. Ever.



"The Cast of BOOBS OF THE DEAD: A WALKING DEAD BURLESQUE."
L-R: Paly Flames as the CDC Official, Helena Handbasket as Best Friend, Slightly Spitfire as Southern Guy, Honey Cha-Cha as Burlesque Zombie Beta, Alexis Rex as the Sheriff, Duchess Daffnie as a Burlesque Zombie Alpha, Devyn DeViante as Wife Lady, and Roxi La Rue as Old Dude  All photos by K Leo (www.mirthandbeauty.com)

Soft, eerie moans. The relentless approach of shuffling footsteps. And glitter. So. Much. Glitter. 

Just in time for Halloween, Gorilla Tango Burlesque presents BOOBS OF THE DEAD: A WALKING DEAD BURLESQUE, the latest in a long line of unique and immensely popular scripted burlesque parodies. On stage in October ONLY, this silly, sexy Zombie-filled romp comes to life Fridays at 9pm and Saturdays at 11:59pm, October 5-27, 2012, with a special final performance on Wednesday, October 31st at 9pm (1919 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago IL 60647). Tickets are $20; *18 and over only. Advance purchase highly recommended (tickets are already selling strong!) at www.gorillatango.com/zombies or by phone at 773-598-4549.

You may have encountered their viral (pun intended) marketing in the form of Facebook updates from the fictional Chicago CDC which have been charting the spread of “virus B1Z3” since early August with warnings that “virus-carriers have been observed performing elaborate dance routines while removing sequined corsetry before committing heinous assaults on confused onlookers,” and, “One of the greatest dangers is that the infected show no visible signs of boas, pasties or high heels for the first 6 hours of infection... while they appear perfectly normal and super sexy they remain dangerous, and citizens should watch for these subtle signs and remain at a safe distance.”

Featuring such familiar zombie-genre archetypes as Sheriff, Wife Lady, Old Dude, Best Friend and Southern Guy, this slyly satirical exhibition of reanimated flesh will appeal to any audience seeking some glittery gore for the spooky season. One doesn’t have to be a fan of the television series to recognize the sexual tension between Wife Lady and Best Friend or enjoy Sheriff’s encounter with an attractively anthropomorphic horse.

Written and directed by internationally renowned fine art photographer K Leo, and with choreography by Erica Gerdes (the creative force behind burlesque numbers performed by some of Chicago’s most well known “classic” troupes such as Kiss Kiss Cabaret and the Belmont Burlesque Revue) this show promises to be one of the hottest tickets of Chicago’s October offerings—so take our advice and get them now (before they get you!)

Written and Directed by K Leo
Choreographed by Erica ReidCostumes by Rafaela Valderrama 
Featuring: Paly Flames as the CDC Official, Alexis Rex as the Sheriff, Slightly Spitfire as Southern Guy, Roxi La Rue as Old Dude, Devyn DeViante as Wife Lady, Helena Handbasket as Best Friend, Duchess Daffnie as a Burlesque Zombie Alpha and Honey Cha-Cha as Burlesque Zombie Beta.

BOOBS OF THE DEAD: The apocalypse has never been hotter. 

FELLOWSHIP OF THE BOOBS: A LOTR, D&D, WoW, RPG BURLESQUE ADVENTURE returns to the GT Stage for limited Engagement: Saturdays at 10:30pm, September 22 - October 27, 2012 ONLY

Click here to check out our prior feature on Fellowship of the Boobs

MORE ABOUT GORILLA TANGO BURLESQUE

Over the past almost three years (!!!), Gorilla Tango Burlesque has gone from the debut of the surprise hit “Boobs & Goombas: A Super Mario Burlesque” in October 2010 to a local burlesque/comedy powerhouse with literally thousands of audience members through the door to see unique burlesque parodies of everything from Star Wars to Indiana Jones, from superheroes to 1990s pop-culture phenomena -- and that's just a small selection of what they have available for-- as their slogan states-- "the Discerning Nerd." 

GTB will debut its first Halloween-themed show, BOOBS OF THE DEAD: A WALKING DEAD BURLESQUE which runs in October only, and look for THE EMPIRE BRINGS SEXY BACK: A STAR WARS SEQUEL this November!

Gorilla Tango Theatre (GTT) provides year-round theatrical venues where audiences of all ages can consistently go to see a wide variety of talented artists. GTT exists to provide artists with an opportunity to produce their work in professional environment. GTT was created by Dan Abbate and boasts two venues: an 80-seat performance space in Bucktown and a 150-seat performance space in Skokie. GTT Bucktown is conveniently located at the intersection of Western and Milwaukee in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood. Easily accessible by public transportation, GTT is steps away from the Western Blue Line stop and the #49 Western, #73 Armitage and #56 Milwaukee buses. Street parking is readily available.  Gorilla Tango’s Skokie Theatre is located in the heart of Downtown Skokie; street and lot parking available. With shows for all ages, all GTT performances are on a rating system, similar to the one used in movie theatres. GTT offers a variety of affordable beer and wine for purchase. Consult the website for show details, rating information, tickets, and more.

www.gorillatango.com – 773.598.4549

1919 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60647

7924 Lincoln Ave. Skokie, IL 60077

Wizard World Favs--DC Super Pets,Tragonia, Pinups for Pitbulls, House of Darkley, Legos, Threadless, Gorilla Tango, & Kangoo

 

We've reviewed and given away DC Super Pets books at ChiIL Mama, and it was truly a treat to meet the author! 

Check out our past coverage here and our contest winner here.

 

Speaking of authors and illustrators whose work we dig......do NOT miss Traegonia!    We're working up a give away for our readers and a review of both books, to run in late fall--pre-Christmas, so check back early and often.    We devoured The Sunbow Prophecy and the Ember Rune and were so excited to hear another sequel is in progress!    These mid-grade chapter books are whimsical, creative, eco-friendly and very well written.    And the sculpture creatures the books are based on are truly unique works of art.

This booth also has sweet book marks--silver sticks with magical little vials of colored stones or fairy dust.    We scooped up half a dozen for gifts for ourselves and our friends who love reading.

This is one of our all time favorite booths.    We've  publicized some of Pinups for Pitbulls Chi-Town fundraisers before.  They get bonus points for being dog friendly, punk rock, and uber creative.  Check out their punk band parody tees.    I bought the 7 Seconds one--Walk Together Rock Together and we had a good chat.    Turns out the artist and mastermind behind the catchy twists on lyrics is a good friend of Kevin Seconds.

Can you find the pit friendly versions of Minor Threat, Sex Pistols, Descendants, and more?





There are a plethora of plushies at Comic Con.    But we're suckers for creative, well made, and of course funny signage is a big plus, too.   These were one of our favs.   Show House of Darkley some love and some cash.    These are very cool, hand made, funky and fun.    Please DON'T just stand around and take a ton of pix and then leave without buying anything (this is a reoccuring problem for them at shows!!).   Support the arts.    If you take pixs it's polite to either buy something or put up a feature so other people can.    

There were also LOADS of Legos ranging from full sets, hard to find, vintage collector, and more.   Our fav was what I dubbed "the Lego graveyard".   What they lack in presentation and display, they make up for in price.    Kids flocked to the mix n match....everything's $3 table.    And they played there longer than just about anywhere.

Threadless makes the most creative, limited run, artist designed tee's out there.   They also share their time and talents by running kids workshops with great non-profits like Girls Rock! Chicago and 826Chi creative writing workshops.   We adore Threadless!!

 

Though you have to be 18+ to see their Burlesque shows, all ages are welcome to pose with the Gorilla Gals.    Click here to check out our past coverage on Gorilla Tango here, including a run down of all the fun parodies they have running this weekend.

We're intrigued and would love to try out a pair of Kangoos.


Enjoy all Wizard World Chicago Comic Con has to offer.  If you think you've hit  everything wall to wall....check again.    Some of our favs are in yet another section to the front of the main hall.   See you out there.