I had the privilege of stopping by a rehearsal at the Vaudezilla Studio, of A Big Lebowski, 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.
Who're part of 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 old Congress Theater starting tonite September 13th.

Some of the female characters include, Red Hot Annie.
You Should Know: She founded Vaudezilla after working at a hot dog stand. Then theres, Lebowski Burlesque Character: Maude.

Favorite Lebowski Moment: Maude’s “vagina” speech. Another fem fatale is, Donna Touch, you should know, she choreographed the show’s bowling dream sequence. Another delicate Lebowski Burlesque Character: Bunny Lebowski. Her Favorite Lebowski Moment: “When Maude’s men knock The Dude out. I just like the way Maude’s standing above him.

Of course, we can't forget. Wham Bam Pam. you should Know: She co-hosts Broadzilla with Red Hot Annie at Exit.

Then theres are boy. 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.”

Now: Bonny Babs. designed 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.”

The other guy in this show you need to be aware of is 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
           Shows are also playing at:

The Last 3 weekends of September at 10pm

The Greenhouse Theatre 

2257 N.Lincoln Ave

Chicago Il 60657