I'm of the mind that the putative wild success of this show in its birthplace of Chicago is directly related to the availability of public transportation, making it possible to arrive with one's judgment and motor skills sufficiently impaired to give this deliciously vulgar exercise its proper due. Here, where we're forced to arrive and leave with our wits somewhat about us, the joke of having the sparkling dreck of Showgirls realized by potty-mouthed little sock puppets sustains itself for about half an hour, after which it becomes more of an intellectual exercise.
The humor rises largely from the puppets overplaying characters that were overacted to begin with or simply spelling out the ridiculous/pathetic aspects of the film for us. The creators (Harvey Finkelstein and Jimmy McDermott) have condensed the show to just under an hour without losing any of the iconic aspects. To my mind, the movie makes the leap into rarified reaches of WTF territory when Nomi's French fries practically explode from her hands about five minutes into the film. The moment is here, as are the French fries, many of them in the audience. On this topic, attendees, in addition to being completely familiar with the source material, should also endeavor not to wear anything that requires dry cleaning, as fried starches are only the first of the clothing hazards to come sailing over the grotty little tinsel and duvetyn approximation of a stage. The puppets are remarkably effective; Nomi has the fried hair and concrete tits we remember so fondly, Crystal's beauty mark continues to speak volumes, and the decision was wisely made to have Nomi's noble martyr of a roommate be played by Lamb Chop.
I wouldn't accuse anybody of acting, per se, but the ensemble of Lowe Taylor, Dorien Davies, Steve Sabellico, Eddie Beasley, and Jonathan Caplan have taken the if-we-have-fun-they-have-fun approach to heart, and they do, and we do. I've no idea which of the two directors (John and Stephanie Shaterian) is responsible, but the one who managed to so adeptly capture the transcendent wretchedness of the "Goddess" floorshow has my undying respect.
Presented by Harvey Finkelstein Productions in association with CAFE at Theatre Asylum, 6320 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. Fri. 11 p.m. Sep. 28-Indefinitely. Adults only. (800) 838-3006. www.harveyfinklestein.com.