Good times in Depression era

Clad in thigh-high ruffled pink shorts and hot-pink lipstick, dancers rehearsing for “Show: the Supper Club” looked like refugees from a racy version of “Guys and Dolls” as they gyrated through their burlesque dance moves at Code Restaurant and Lounge in Newport Beach one recent afternoon.

“We’re really a perfect fit for this event, because of our whole style,” said singer and dancer Monique, as she scrambled to change out of a glittering, vintage evening gown into a ruffled skirt to do a can-can inspired number.

Monique, who doesn’t use a last name, is part of the burlesque performance troupe the Satin Dollz, which performed recently at the “Show: the Supper Club” debut.

The mix of theater, dance, 1930s lounge music and cuisine is the brainchild of Orange County professional photographer Lori Brystan.

“When you go out on a Friday night, you should get more out of it than just a hangover,” Brystan said. “I wanted to create something that was more than a nightclub experience where there’s nothing to do but drink.”

Brystan, who has been working to put “Show” together for the past five years, always wished she had a time machine when she was growing up.

“When I was little, I always wondered why there wasn’t a place where you could go back in time — sort of like Disneyland,” she said.

With more than 20 performers each night, the show will take patrons back to a Depression-era supper club complete with cigarette girls, mafia thugs in zoot suits and sultry lounge singers.

“We wanted everything to be top-notch and over the top,” said Tim Ellis, who co-produced “Show: the Supper Club” with Brystan.

Antique cars with pin-up girls lounging on the hoods will be parked out front of the restaurant and lounge.

Completing the Great Depression-theme, a snake oil salesman and bums in tattered suits also will be part of the show.

Brystan and Ellis hope to branch out from their first “Show” with themes from other eras from popular culture and music, but chose a Great Depression-inspired for the project’s debut.

“There seems to be a lot of intrigue with that time, and also there’s the fact that we’re in a depression now,” Ellis said.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Show: the Supper Club

WHERE: Code Restaurant and Lounge, 4221 Dolphin Striker Way, Newport Beach

WHEN: The event begins 7 to 8 p.m. Friday with champagne and hors d’oeuvres. A four-course tasting menu will be served at 8 p.m.

PRICE: 7 to 10 p.m.: General Seating $49; 7 to 10 p.m.: VIP Seating $79; After 10 p.m.: Guaranteed SHOW VIP Entrance $20; After 10 p.m.: Guaranteed VIP Table for 4 with Bottle Service $350

INFO: Reservations are required. Call (949) 660-0888.