Zoe Drift, Diva LaVida and Choco Latina/Photo: Jason Brown

RECOMMENDED

Anchored by the well-honed comedic timing of Diva LaVida as Mari, a tough mariachi seeking revenge for the killing of his “womans” by local gangster Mierda, the cast of this provocative parody of Robert Rodriguez’s cult favorite “El Mariachi” (later remade into the more popular “Desperado” starring Antonio Banderas) works hard to sell the jokes in this episodic script by The Salsation Theatre Company. And their work mostly pays off (in pesos).

Director Jonald Jude Reyes makes good use of both Marie Curiosity’s subtly dreamy dance choreography and Bobby Hoffman’s not-so-subtle fight sequences.  Robert Rodriguez is a tough theme to riff on, and the result is more Spanish-language gags (“el foreshadows!”) and Banderas jokes (“Puss in Boots” anyone?) than “Spy Kids” references. This isn’t the best Gorilla Tango Burlesque show to date, but where else can you see a lithe, mustachioed gymnast (Slightly Spitfire) performing impressive feats of athleticism while taking her clothes off? (Zach Freeman)

Gorilla Tango Burlesque, 1919 North Milwaukee, (773)598-4549. Through March 31.