"It's a great girls'-night out," says actor Chris Gustin, describing "Spank! Harder," the musical satire of the wildly-popular "Fifty Shades" book trilogy.

"Spank! Harder" comes to Bethlehem for three nights, 8 p.m. March 27, 28, 29, Musikfest Café, ArtsQuest Center, Steel Stacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem.

"Fifty Shades of Grey," "Fifty Shades Darker" and "Fifty Shades Freed," with a tense storyline of romance, dominance and submission, is parodied in the hit touring production, follow-up to last year's "Spank!"

In "Spank! Harder," the "Fifty Shades of Grey" author E.B. James is represented by narrator E.B. Janet, a happily-married mother of two who spins torrid tales of love and bondage.

Christian Grey, the dominant and mysterious male lead in "Fifty Shades of Grey," has his replacement in the character of Hugh Hansen.

And in a novel twist, a new love interest is added with the character of Carter Carnegie, an impossibly "nice guy" played by Chicago native Chris Gustin.

Gustin believes the "Fifty Shades of Grey" series of books are so popular because they offer an escape from normal life.

"They give people a chance to let go of their everyday lives," he says in a recent phone interview, "and they reach into the kinky sides of sexuality that many people won't explore in real life."

For 28-year-old Gustin, being a part of the "Spank! Harder" production is a dream come true. Gustin left Chicago at 22 to train at the Musicians Institute, Los Angeles, where he studied acting and music theater.

"This is my first touring musical and I'm so lucky to travel the country and do what I love," he says.

With "Spank! Harder," Gustin is able to show off his acting, singing, dancing and comedic chops.

"There are lots of music and dance numbers -- lots of parodies of pop songs."

Gustin explains that in keeping with the "Fifty Shades of Grey" mindset, there is a fun risqué quality to the show.

"We do an opener that involves the cast coming on stage in just raincoats to the song 'It's Raining Men,' he adds with a laugh. "And that's all I'm gonna say about that.

"'Spank! Harder' is funny and weird and sultry and sexy -- all at the same time. It's just a laugh out-loud good time."