"What struck me (about Theatre of the Ridiculous) was that it's a decidedly queer art form, yet always seems to have involved men and women, gays and straights," Blackwood said. "It's also a wholly American movement, which you can almost look at as a triangle that goes from New York's Playhouse of the Ridiculous, to John Waters in Baltimore, and the Cockettes out here." From French horror-show to all-American glam, Thrillpeddlers has seamlessly expanded its niche: resurrection.

PEARLS OVER SHANGHAI

Through Aug. 1

Through June 26: Fri.–Sat., 8 p.m.; July 10.-Aug. 1: Sat. 8 p.m.; Sun. 7 p.m.

$30–$69

Hot Greeks

May 2– June 27 (Thurs., 8 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m.), $30–$69

Hypnodrome

575 10th St., SF

www.thrillpeddlers.com