It’s not just our iconic art museum or our top-notch symphony orchestra that makes Milwaukee such an amazing city; it’s the diversity of arts and entertainment options we have on any given night of the week. Take for example, Gorilla Tango Theatre’s satirical performance Boobs and Goombas: A Super Mario Burlesque, coming to Milwaukee for one night only – Wed., May 4 at 7 p.m. at the Times Cinema (5906 W. Vliet St.).
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| L-R, Lacey Lay (Fish), Coco Rufus (Goomba), Lily e’Claire (Luigi), Sweet Ginger Rose (Princess Peach), Coo d’Twat (Mario), Hazel Hellbender (Chomper), Diva LaVida (kneeling – Toad), and Penelope Paddedbustle (Turtle). Photo courtesy of K. Leo. |
The show is a titillating take on one of the most beloved video games and cultural icons of all time, with scantily clad ladies dancing too. “It’s a fun and silly comedy with all women performers who both dance and take off their clothes at various points in the show,” further clarifies Kelly Williams, a member of Gorilla Tango Theatre.
Whether you are a gamer not, you can appreciate the story line. Mario and Luigi have been trapped in the video games for so long on a fruitless pursuit of the Princess, now everything has started to look like a beautiful lady. Much like in the actual game, they journey through various levels and encounter some of the most memorable Mario friends and enemies – Chain Chomps, Koopa Troopers, even Toad. “Gamer geek jokes abound,” promises Williams.
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| Sweet Ginger Rose as Princess Peach and Diva LaVida as Toad. Photo courtesy of K. Leo. |
The concept for this original show came from the idea to create a show with a mixture of sketch comedy, standard theatrical narrative and burlesque, a form of cheeky entertainment, which has had a strong resurgence lately. Gorilla Tango Theatre commissioned MsPixy, a burlesque performer and director to create the show and together they brainstormed various potential themes. “Someone threw out Super Mario and we all liked the idea, but we weren’t certain if it could be done,” says Williams. “I stepped out to answer a phone call and by the time I got back, MsPixy had already started envisioning how we could structure a Super Mario burlesque, and the rest flowed very easily from there.”
Feel free to bring a few coins (which is code for dollars in Mario speak) to tip the performers. If the cast collects enough coins along the way, the audience will win the power to unlock the alternate ending.
Chicago’s Gorilla Tango Theatre is a theatrical venue producing professional shows for audiences of all ages. They do have ratings though, like at the movies so you don’t end up taking your kid to a show like this one this thinking its’ about video games. All tickets for Boobs and Goombas are $15. To purchase in advance click Times Cinema Tickets.
