Chatting with Miss Lily Verlaine, ballet-trained burlesque artist extraordinaire, two things become instantly clear. First, she and her partner, Jasper McCann, have exceptional phone voices. Seriously, these folks should moonlight (daylight?) on FM radio. Second, they're about to give Oly one hell of a show.

They've reimagined Lewis Carroll's 1871 classic, Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There, into a scantily-clad extravaganza worthy of Radio City Music Hall. "We tried to take what we could from Burlesque Nutcracker and improve it," Verlaine says, referring to the duo's 2005 Triple Door production (aka Land of the Sweets). They began the whimsical writing process while crisscrossing America. "We took a 6,500-mile road trip and read the Carroll text to each other. ... The dialogue is so nonsensical and interesting."

"Jasper's strengths are in songwriting and comedy," Verlaine says, "so he created most of the dialogue. We collectively adapted the story and characters from the original." It's a liberal adaptation. Verlaine agrees: "I am kind of anti-Disney, so when we were creating the show, I absolutely wanted to block out the common perception that the mainstream cartoon (imposed) on this book." Uncle Walt's secret interests aside, this would be Tex Avery's dream production.

Verlaine's "Looking-Glass" is a high-end nightclub featuring such skilled players as the Caterpillar (Verlaine) and Cheshire Cat (Waxie Moon).  Alice herself has been given a postmodern spin. "There are actually two Alices," McCann explains, "the Alice from our world, and the Alice from the Looking Glass world. ... They (unite to) become a whole person, essentially. ... The Alices are (played by) Inga Ingénue and Lou Henry Hoover." Olympia favorite, and headmistress of Burlesque 101, Miss Indigo Blue costars as Tiger Lily. Other featured performers include Babette La Fave, Bunny Monroe, Lucky Penny and Polly Wood. The entire show is set to a tribal fusion dance score by Tribella.

McCann, who appears in the show as master of ceremonies, looks forward to his and Verlaine's first performance in Olympia. He's well aware of Oly's flourishing burlesque scene, but he also says each city - and audience - surprise him with a different vibe. Their shows' top-notch production values deserve, and draw, enthusiastic crowds from all walks of life.  "We had a 90th birthday," McCann says, "and a 65th wedding anniversary, too."

Through the Looking Glass: The Burlesque Alice in Wonderland runs one night only, Oct. 23, at the Capitol Theater (which the Olympia Film Society was able to purchase last month, so kudos to them).  It's an all-ages show with a 21+ beer garden. Be advised, parents: The show features the traditional ensemble of pasties and G-strings. But it's also a lavishly costumed and choreographed variety spectacular starring some of the most respected burlesque talents Seattle has to offer, so Verlaine is right to insist it's a bargain at $15. Tickets are on sale now at the OFS box office and Rainy Day Records, or online at brownpapertickets.com.

Through the Looking Glass

Oct. 23, 8:30 p.m., $15
Capitol Theater, 206 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia
360.754.5378