The “Classic Showgirl Show” is getting a facelift…and throwing a party to celebrate.
Naysayers may claim that a goal can’t be accomplished, but there’s no definitive answer without an attempt. So it is that AWAKENING, the large-scale production at Wynn Las Vegas, stumbled out of the gate and nearly collapsed. But after a two-month hiatus, it’s back in a reimagined form and playing to packed seats…and accolades.
There’s a lesson to be learned from revamping a show. Sometimes it never worked from the beginning or fell victim to changing tastes over time. More often, guests simply enjoy revisiting their favorites after new elements and a different approach have been integrated. This brings us to BurlesQ, the comedic topless revue now in its third year at Modern Showrooms at Alexis Park Resort.
Award-winning Sean E. Cooper (center) and the cast of BurlesQ
Regular readers might recall that this writer awarded the Sean E. Cooper-hosted BurlesQ as “Most Improved Show” of 2021. Having already undergone one successful revision under producer Pete Housley (Barbie – A Cultural Icon Exhibition), the next chapter of BurlesQ is in good hands. The prolific showroom operator, offering no less than nine productions at Alexis Park Resort, came up with the original concept during the COVID-19 shutdown.
“BurlesQ was born out of idea…an image that became the graphic arts for a show,” Housley told VEGAS 411. He and Cari Beyers then built a production from that image, despite what was happening all around them. Launching an intimate burlesque revue in the midst of a global pandemic surely bordered on madness. But that’s how the CEO of the Admit VIP entertainment company operates. “I don’t give up on something. I make it work”.
Perez Hilton (center) and the showgirls of BurlesQ
After the landmark 500th performance, BurlesQ will take advantage of a typically-slower summer season to create its next chapter. The break will take place immediately after a gala celebration. The evening will be hosted by media celebrity Perez Hilton, fresh off his emceeing duties at Liberace’s 104th Birthday Celebration:
“As a prominent entertainment personality, Perez’s presence will add excitement to this already momentous occasion. The 500th show will mark a significant milestone for the production as it pays tribute to the performers, crew, and devoted fans who have made BurlesQ an unmissable Las Vegas attraction.” Cast members Kelly Long and Tonya Tovias were previously profiled by VEGAS 411 here and here.
Tonya Tovias (left) and Kelly Long are the epitome of sexy grace
“We are immensely grateful to our performers, creative team, and, most importantly, our beloved audience for making the past 500 shows of BurlesQ an extraordinary success,” said the show’s creator and director, Cari Byers. “As we embark on this next generation, we aim to explore new frontiers and bring forth an innovative and exhilarating production, unlike any other show in Las Vegas.” Expanding the scope will necessitate a move from the intimate Pegasus Showroom to the large, luxurious Athena Showlounge.
Very few details about the reimagining have been made available. What’s known is that BurlesQ will return sometime in late 2023. It will incorporate “cutting-edge technology” into a new concept that fuses traditional burlesque with pop culture. The show’s social media pages will reportedly provide glimpses into the revamp along the way.
Byers’ statement suggests that envelope-pushing sequences are likely to be added. It’s unclear whether the focus will shift away from “showgirls” and more toward traditional burlesque. Upcoming productions by Dita Von Tesse at Horseshoe Hotel Casino and Jennifer Romas (EXXCITE) at the Rio may have inspired the move to make BurlesQ bigger and bolder. Whatever the reason, fans of topless revues are sure to rejoice.
Tickets for the 500th performance of BurlesQ are on sale here. Use discount code BURLESQ500 to receive a special price of $25. The event will take place inside the Pegasus Showroom on August 11th at 9 pm. Audience members must be 21 years of age or older.
Alexis Park Resort is located at 375 East Harmon Avenue, across from Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Parking is free.
