It's zany, it's bawdy, and oh yes, it's nasty: It's the greatest burlesque on Earth at the Va Va Voom Room.

The lights are dimly lit on a Friday night at the York Hotel at 940 Sutter Street. Inside the lobby, guests sip martinis, many of them in their best 1920s garb. Eagerly anticipating the show they have heard so much about, first timers have no idea how dirty things could get.

"We're a little late tonight, which is very unusual for us," Eric Goeres, 31, the show's production manager, says through a giggle. "Ah, and here we are, the finest seats in the house!"

Historically, the first Burlesque took place in the 1860s but was most popular between the two World Wars. During a time when world politics were uncertain, roles for women and men were being redefined and both girls and boys just wanted to have fun. The variety and comedic short acts presented at the Burlesque show offered a wonderful opportunity for people to break away from the mundane and see something a little bit different.

"It's a great show," says host Miss Ilsa, played by Laura Sweeney, 34. On stage, Sweeney is utterly transformed from seemingly sweet, city girl into the wild and witty wonder woman who makes up her character.

"They say I am your mistress of ceremonies, I say I am your beautiful show girl pimp!" Ilsa says, much to the amusement of the audience. Miss Ilsa plays an outlandish and stern German sexpot, who is also albino and has a bum foot. "Who vants to lick my leg brace?" she asks the crowd.

Other performers range from goofy to glamorous. There are also the Can-can kicking trio Kitty Kitty Bang Bang, telepathic mind games of Sebastian Boswell III, and amazing pipes of Ruby Iron to look forward to. After Kielbasia plays the accordion and Kitten De Ville shakes more than her feathers, you'll be left wanting more.

"It's a variety show that moves really quick so it appeals to everyone," Sweeney said before her performance Friday of a show that leaves no time for viewers to get antsy.

Just when you think you've seen it all, something else happens. "And really Burlesque is a timeless art form," Sweeney continued. "It's got everything from singing to dancing to stripping. But rather than coming off as raunchy, it's got a lot of tongue in cheek humor that will make you want to laugh out loud."

Don't get too loud, however, as one performer went off on an unruly member in the audience.

"Did you pay $20 to hear some moron yapping?" performer and San Francisco native Sebastian Boswell III asked the crowd in a huff. "Judging by the placement of the stage and the lights and the band, people are here to see me," he said after being interrupted by one in the audience.

And besides, as Miss Ilsa points out, suddenly becoming professor-esque, "Alright boys and girls, quiet, quiet! No boobies if you're talking!"

The Greatest Burlesque at the Va Va Voom Room is the kind of show that makes audience members feel like they did something fun, classy and sassy with their Friday night.

When Eva Irwing, 27, brought her boyfriend out to see the show on his birthday, she didn't know that she would become part of the act, which calls for snip-its of audience participation.

"It's a sexy performance," Irwing said, "not cheap and trashy."

There are two show times to choose from each week, at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Calling ahead is a better idea than just showing up because the Va Va Voom Room has been known to sell out.

As the hostess said best, "We will twist and bend your minds, but it's only painful if you resist."

For more information call (415) 447-0768 or visit www.vavavoomroom.com.