The Off Off Broadzway burlesque group, (l-r) Carisa Barreca, Kelly Bolton,
Liz McArthur, Mary Spray, Jill Valentine, and Mandy Whitenack. Photo
by Michael Coake.

Who knew that burlesque was so scary?

Both Chicagoans and visitors to the Windy City might be surprised to learn that there are a bevy of Halloween-themed burlesque productions around the city. Many productions are ongoing through the end of October, while others are one- or two-time events.

Read on for a selection of boo-worthy bawdy burlesque shows.

Double, Double, Tease & Trouble with The Ripettes
7:30 p.m., Sun., Oct. 25, 2009 at Mary’s Attic (5400 N. Clark St., Chicago)
9:30 p.m., Thurs., Oct. 29, 2009 at National Pastime Theater (4139 N. Broadway, Chicago)
Cost: $15
Website: www.ripettesburlesque.com/

The gals (and a couple of guys) of The Ripettes perform "a hauntingly hot evening of thrills, chills and" (wait for it) "plenty of boooobies."

The Flaming Dames in Vamp II
10:15 p.m., Fridays through Oct. 30, 2009
7:45 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
The Spot (4437 N. Broadway, Chicago)
Cost: $15
Website: www.nmtchicago.org/Dames%2012/V2.html

Calling all "Twilight" fans. The Flaming Dames return with a "wickedly sexy" Vampire-themed revue, hosted by Mr. Vampire and Ms. Zombie.

Horri-Ball
7-10 p.m. Oct. 29, 2009
The Spot (4437 N. Broadway, Chicago)
Cost: $15
Website: www.hobojunctionproductions.com/

A Halloween extravaganza includes not just burlesque performers like Lady Jack, but also bodypainting by Emily Svec, live music and more.

Peekaboo: An Ooky Spooky Halloween Burlesque Revue
10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 31, 2009
Additional midnight performances Oct. 30-31, 2009
Greenhouse Theater Center (2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago)
Cost: $20 through Oct. 24; $25 after Oct. 24
Website: greenhousetheater.org/index.php/peekaboo

Mr. Bones hosts performances by Naughty Natanya, Siren Jinx, Natasha Minsk and Lula Hoop Garou, plus the "mental feats" of Dr. Percepto and the antics of Frank-N-Stein and Dr. Acula.

Trick or Teets
8 p.m. Thursdays in October at Davenport’s Piano Bar (1383 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago)
11 p.m. Fridays in October at Fizz (3220 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago)
Cost: $12
Website: www.offoffbroadzway.com/

The Off Off Broadzway burlesque group made up of Ricki Dickyouless, Brie Tarde, Andy Drodgenous, Cassie Oh, Allie Ways and Dolly Natrix perform.

Vaudezilla's Monster Burlesque Academy Halloween Burlesque Show
10 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009
Portage Theatre (4050 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago)
Cost: $15 in advance; $20 at the door
Website: http://vaudezilla.com/halloween.htm

Join President Red Hot Annie and Vice President Dick Dijon for the Monster Burlesque Academy's graduation ceremony. Arrive in costume for the chance to win goodies. Performers include Bonny Babs, Operetta Nicoletta, Viva La Muerte, The Ripettes and others.

Looking for other low- or moderately-priced Halloween ideas in and around Chicago? Read more in our Haunted Chicago series.